Recent advances and challenges in single cell protein (SCP) technologies for food and feed production

Yu Pin Li; Fatemeh Ahmadi; Khalil Kariman; Maximilian Lackner

doi:10.1038/s41538-024-00299-2

npj Science of Food (Sep 2024)

Recent advances and challenges in single cell protein (SCP) technologies for food and feed production

Yu Pin Li,
Fatemeh Ahmadi,
Khalil Kariman,
Maximilian Lackner

Affiliations

Yu Pin Li: College of Agricultural Resources and Environmental Science, Yunnan Agricultural University
Fatemeh Ahmadi: School of Agriculture and Environment, University of Western Australia
Khalil Kariman: School of Agriculture and Environment, University of Western Australia
Maximilian Lackner: Circe Biotechnologie GmbH, Kerpengasse 125

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41538-024-00299-2
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 8, no. 1
pp. 1 – 25

Abstract

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Abstract The global population is increasing, with a predicted demand for 1250 million tonnes of animal-derived protein by 2050, which will be difficult to meet. Single-cell protein (SCP) offers a sustainable solution. This review covers SCP production mechanisms, microbial and substrate choices, and advancements in metabolic engineering and CRISPR-Cas. It emphasizes second-generation substrates and fermentation for a circular economy. Despite challenges like high nucleic acid content, SCP promises to solve the global nutrition problem.

Published in npj Science of Food

ISSN: 2396-8370 (Online)
Publisher: Nature Portfolio
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Technology: Home economics: Nutrition. Foods and food supply; Technology: Chemical technology: Food processing and manufacture
Website: https://www.nature.com/npjscifood/

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