ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE August 2024 49 amino acid profile. MicroBioGen, uniquely capable of improving yeast using non-GM technology, has developed a yeast single-cell protein (SCP) to address this challenge. Whereas typical baker’s yeast consists of only about 45% protein, MicroBioGen’s yeast contains up to 60% protein, while the amino acid profile of MicroBioGen’s SCP aligns well with the recommended daily allowance of essential amino acids for both humans and animals (Figure 2). Additionally, previous studies have demonstrated that S. cerevisiae is not only safe to use as a component of feed to various aquatic animals, but it also seems quite palatable. For instance, trials with Nile tilapia and Pacific white shrimp revealed no adverse effects on growth, feed conversion ratio, survival, or body composition. In fact, some metrics even improved, highlighting the potential of yeast SCP as a viable and beneficial protein source for aquafeeds. And because MicroBioGen’s yeast is completely free of genetic engineering, lengthy approval processes and market limitations associated with genetically engineered organisms can be avoided. RECYCLING WASTE: IS YEAST UP TO THE TASK? MicroBioGen has made a significant advancement by developing a process to grow single-cell protein (SCP) using industrial waste streams (Table 2) instead of traditional food sugars. This innovation addresses sustainability concerns associated with sugar-based SCP production, which can be costly and environmentally taxing. By enabling the utilisation of carbon that would otherwise be lost in large-scale industrial waste streams, MicroBioGen’s innovation improves sustainability and significantly reduces production expenses. Sugars are relatively expensive at approximately US$0.40/kg. Consequently, sugar-based SCP production is expensive, with substrate costs alone amounting to nearly US$1,000 per tonne of SCP. This limits the economics of producing sugar-based SCP for feed markets. In contrast, nearly 20 million tonnes of side/waste streams are available today globally, representing a significant valorisation opportunity. With an average conservative yield of 0.42, this could produce nearly 10 million tonnes of SCP, theoretically enough to replace all fish meal produced globally today. The ability to grow on low-cost industrial waste streams not only reduces production costs but also enhances sustainability, making it a superior alternative to fish meal, which relies on finite and declining wild fish stocks. ECONOMICS: CREATING A COST-EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN There is a limit to the value of protein as a standalone product. A single-cell protein (SCP) that only excels in a high protein content will be limited in its potential to serve as a fish meal substitute. Considering the expenses related to substrates and processing, the value per unit of SCP must be elevated to ensure the highest return for an SCP producer. MicroBioGen has created three distinct protein value enhancers, which are described in more detail below. Waste/side stream 1G* Ethanol (stillage/vinasse) 2G* Ethanol Biodiesel (transesterification) Dairy Key carbon molecules Glycerol, lactic and acetic acid Glycerol, organic acids, xylose Crude glycerol (50% to 80%) Lactose (glucose and galactose) Carbon available (globally) 13 million tonnes - growing 100,000 tonnes - growing 4 million tonnes - static 1 million tonnes – slow growth Table 2. MicroBioGen has increased the range of substrates that yeast can utilise *1G (first-generation) ethanol is produced from food crops, e.g. corn or sugarcane, while 2G (secondgeneration) ethanol is produced from agricultural waste products, e.g. timber offcuts, crop residues or waste sugarcane pulp (bagasse).
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