Production and optimization of single cell protein from orange peels by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Deficiency in protein is increasing worldwide especially in developing countries. Protein from microbial biomass termed as Single Cell Protein (SCP) can be considered as an alternative to conventional source of food. This research work was carried out to produce single cell protein from orange peels by Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from spoilt tomato fruit and to optimize cultural condition in order to obtain a maximum amount of biomass concentration thus, the protein quantity. The proximate content of the peel was analysed using standard method. Carbohydrates was 59.96%, fibre (14.03%), moisture (12.07%), fat (9.11%), ash (5.21%) and protein (1.02%). Results of this study revealed that the optimum pH in which a maximum growth (1790 ppm) of biomass was obtained was at pH 7.0 after 120 hours of incubation. The effect of Incubation temperature showed that maximum biomass growth (1145 ppm) was obtained at 37°C after 96 hours of incubation. Effect of substrate concentration revealed that biomass concentration increased with increase in substrate concentration. Maximum protein with minimal nucleic acid content was obtained at incubation temperature of 37°C. In conclusion, it may not be favourable to incubate the fermentation medium at temperature above 55°C and pH below 4.0 for production of SCP using Saccharomyces cerevisiae.