Congratulations to Mr. Raphael on his new paper in Trends in Food Science and Technology
August 2, 2023
Congratulations to Mr. Raphael Aido on his new publication in the Trends in Food Science & Technology, titled
"Overview of single cell protein:
Production pathway, sustainability outlook, and digital twin potentials". The abstract of the publication is provided below
Background
Single-cell protein (SCP) is an evolving biotechnological concept that can potentially
align protein production with the global sustainability commitment.
Scope and approach
This review presents an overview of SCP's current outlook, including production, commercial prospects,
and sustainability status. It also elaborates on the potential of the evolving digital twin concept in
improving SCP production's efficiency and sustainability performance.
Key findings and conclusion
An expanding body of work was identified, with well-explored fermentative approaches and varying substrates and microbes.
Whereas interest in first-generation substrates such as methane is gradually fading due to their high competitiveness and
acquisition cost, second-generation substrates such as lignocellulosic materials and agro-industrial wastes are rapidly
evolving due to their availability, low cost, appreciable nutrient density, and alignment with the circular bioeconomy path.
Sustainability assessment of current production attaches substantial environmental, mainly global warming and land use offset,
and economic savings to SCP production. Moreover, it emphasizes conventional energy use as a hotspot contributor to all impact
categories. However, research on life cycle costing, social life cycle assessment, and environmental nutrition concepts is limited.
Current trends project rapid market growth for SCP due to expanding feed, food, and nonfood applications.
The rapid influx of transformative innovations such as mixed culture biotechnology and the emerging digital
twin concept that present catalytic advantages in achieving market growth and sustainability cobenefits are
backing these projections. Several sensor and predictive technologies are available to enable an SCP-digital
twin path, presenting an opportunity to enhance green and precision SCP production. Despite these innovations,
significant efforts are required to overcome limitations concerning toxicity, legislative restrictions,
technical constraints, and consumer neophobia to bolster commerce and market value.