Single Cell Protein (SCP) sources that can be derived from algae, yeasts, fungi and bacteria can be used as food supplements for animals or humans. Most targeted areas of SCP would apply towards animal feed due to the regulations and resulting screening that is required for SCP sources for human consumption. For example, microbes have to be tested for carcinogenic substances and the nucleic acid content it contains. However, SCPs are theoretically a very good source of alternative proteins and high fiber content. It is also a food source that has a low energy content meaning that it is a low calorie source of food. It is known that foods with high fiber content, low calories, low sodium & low saturated fats are beneficial for people that have heart conditions or needed weight control with food sources like these that help them lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. SCPs are similar to other meat substitute foods such as eggs and beans that also have low calories, low saturated fats, etc. Tofu is another healthy meat substitute that can be used in a lot of meat type recipes such as substitute taco meat and turkey/sausage/beef dish substitutes. Currently on the market, there are only a few proven sources of SCPs good for human consumption. The most notable source of SCPs used as meat substitute products is from SCPs called mycoproteins as is the case with a well known product grown in Britain called QuornTM that has been on the market since 1985 and manufactured by Marlow Foods. Quorn is sold only mostly in certain European countries and in the United States as well. This product is made from a fungi source isolated in Britain called Fuscarium Venenatum. It took years for the fungi source to pass needed tests and regulations in order to become a food substitute source for human consumption. This fungi is mass produced on a large scale from a process called continuous flow culture.
QuornTM similar to Tofu, is used as a flexible meat substitute produce that has been marketed as products such as chicken pieces, turkey and beef substitute products. Other products marketed also include fish fillets, deli meat substitutes, pies and pastries and ready made meals. These products are made by compressing the mycoprotein with added protein sources such as albumin. These type of food products are also recommended by organizations for people that have type 2 diabetes, glycaemia and obeisity. In general, there also should be a demand for meat substitute products such as tofu and mycoproteins in the future, especially since these foods have the proper qualities of appearance, texture, aroma and flavor that are required of meat substitute products. In addition they help to offset the low fiber and high fat content that meat products generally contain. They are also low in sodium content and can also contain beneficial minerals such as zinc and selenium. Mycoproteins also contain the needed essential amino acids required in diets. Other sources of SCP have been found in the past but oftentimes when tested for in human subjects they cause adverse health side effects such as gastrointestinal problems, rashes and buildup of urinary uric acid. Nevertheless, several types of SCPs can grow from agricultural or industrial wastes such as Scytalidium acidophilum and Trichoderma. World organizations such as the FAO also recommend the cultivation of SCPs used as animal feed for domesticated livestock as they can be grown from waste sources such as straws, wood waste, cannery and food processing wastes. It would be beneficial if more sources of SCPs be cultivated in the future for possible use as supplements or food ingredients such as the above mentioned QuornTM product. Throughout the years, regulations have already been put in place to make sure that SCPs are safe food sources by passing a number of food and health regulations that have been well outlined for microbial sources. The advantages are that microbial sources of food can be grown quickly in bioreactors with the possible use of industrial and agricultural wastes as feed sources.
REFERENCES
1. "QuornTM Myco-protein - Overview of a successful fungal product", Mycologist Vol 18 Part 1 pgs 17 - 20 [2004] by MG Weibe
2. "Mycoprotein and Health", Nutrition Bulletin Vol 33 pgs 298 - 310 [2008] by A. Denny, B. Aisbitt, J. Lunn
Photos obtained from Picasa Web Album
KEYWORDS: Single Cell Proteins, Mycoproteins, Meat substitute foods, high fiber low saturated fatty foods, continuous flow culture, Trichoderma, SCP animal feed, SCP food supplements, essential amino acids, low energy food density, type 2 diabetes, yeasts - fungi - algae as SCP sources, agricultural and industrial wastes for SCP cultivation, mycoprotein similarity to tofu
