Microbial protein production based on complex plant raw materials: Technology development and efficiency assessment
Abstract
The possibility of using complex plant raw materials for microbial biomass production has been investigated. The chemical composition of different types of plant raw materials (grasses, beetroot, potatoes, corn, waste) of the northeastern region was analysed, which made it possible to develop an optimal nutrient medium for the cultivation of Candida scotti Tul-1. Cultivation was carried out in flasks and fermenter, controlling temperature, pH and aeration. The optimum concentration of sugar in the medium was found to be 4% and the culturing temperature was 28°C. The obtained biomass contained 60-62% protein with a balanced amino acid composition. The results demonstrate the promising use of plant raw materials for microbial protein production and waste utilisation. The developed technology can become the basis for sustainable and economically favourable production of protein feeds and food supplements. Further research is aimed at optimising the process and scaling up production.