Protein deficiency has been a huge cause of concern for underdeveloped countries like Algeria, Nigeria, Gambia, etc. for decades. Single-cell protein, abbreviated as SCP, may prove to be a game changer. “Single-cell protein” as the name suggests means protein derived from unicellular microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, yeast, and algae. SCP has the potential to not only eradicate protein deficiency but also solve the problem of agricultural or food waste.
SCP is enriched with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. The pre-requisites and conditions of production are minimal. Production of SCP requires- 1)Selection of microorganisms, 2)Selection of substrate (carbon sources, which may include agricultural residues, industrial by- products like molasses or whey, organic waste, methane, or carbon dioxide- thus curtailing the industrial and agricultural waste to an extent), 3)Fermentation, 4)Harvesting, and 5)Processing and Quality control (the SCP product is tested for protein content, amino acid composition, safety, and contaminants). In a time when protein sources like meat, egg, and other dairy products are subsequently expensive, SCP can be a cost-effective option for underdeveloped and developing countries. Also, owing to the exponential rise in Veganism, SCP can be scaled and marketed vastly across the globe, since it is not derived from animal products.
One constraint scientists observe during SCP research is the nature of the cell wall made up of cellulose, peptidoglycans and polysaccharides, thus, cannot be digested by human body. This problem does not arise with livestock/cattle as their digestive system has Cellulase enzyme to digest the cellulose cell wall. Protein deficiency in livestock can unequivocally be addressed with the help of Single-cell protein. To resolve the indigestibility of SCP by the human digestive system, the cell wall of the organism has to be denatured before further processing, further studies and tests need to be conducted for further elaborating the same.
Additionally, Biofortification, which is the process by which the nutritional value of crops is increased via biotechnology and genetic engineering can be imbibed in the Single-cell proteins. SCP can be biofortified with various vitamins, zinc, iron, etc. and possibly, essential fats. This will help in further enhancing the nutritional value of the SCP, hence making it a part of a holistic diet plan. Therefore, we can say that SCP inculcated with biofortification can answer the perpetually persistent questions of spectrum deficiencies.
Though, much of studies and research regarding SCP are awaited, the hypothetical idea of SCP being a part of a balanced diet sounds promising for the near or distant future. Both waste management and health disorders caused by deficiencies can be decoded vis-à-vis Single cell protein.

Nilanjana Ghosh

University/College name : Daulat Ram College, Delhi University