Microbial Wet-based Protein

1. What is microbial wet-based protein?

Microbial wet-based protein refers to protein products derived from microorganisms (such as bacteria, yeast, fungi, microalgae, etc.) that have not undergone drying treatment or only undergone preliminary dehydration and still contain a certain amount of moisture. It usually refers to wet protein resources obtained from microbial cells themselves or their fermentation broth after concentration.

2. Common sources.

Single-cell protein (SCP): such as yeast protein (brewer’s yeast, protein-producing Candida), bacterial protein (methane-oxidizing bacteria, hydrogen bacteria).

Microalgae protein: such as Spirulina, Chlorella.

Fungal protein: such as mold protein produced by Fusarium fermentation.

3. Main applications.

Feed industry: used as protein raw materials for aquaculture feed (such as fish and shrimp feed) and livestock and poultry feed, replacing fish meal and soybean meal.

Environmental protection: using organic wastewater and waste gas (such as methane, CO₂) to cultivate microorganisms, while producing protein and treating waste.

Food industry: some microbial proteins, after safety assessment, can be used as nutritional supplements or food ingredients.

4. Wet-based VS Dry-based.

Wet-based protein: has a high moisture content (usually 30%-80%), with high storage and transportation costs, but low processing energy consumption, suitable for local utilization.

Dry-based protein: after drying, has a low moisture content (<10%), easy to store and transport, but the drying process has high energy consumption and may affect protein activity.

5. Advantages.

Fast production: short microbial growth cycle and high protein conversion efficiency.

Wide range of raw materials: can utilize industrial and agricultural waste, biogas, CO₂ and other low-cost raw materials.

Rich in nutrients: in addition to protein, it is also rich in vitamins, polysaccharides, lipids, etc.

Sustainable: does not occupy arable land and reduces dependence on traditional planting agriculture.