Protein production by Schwanniomyces castellii on starchy substrates, in liquid and solid cultivation

In a preliminary screening, several yeast species were selected among which Endomycopsis fibdigera and Schwunniomyces castellii showed a high yield when inoculated in potato or potato peel media. Both these species were found to have an elevated protein percentage and a good amino acid composition. The effect of some cultural conditions on SCP (single cell protein) production by S. castellii grown on potato medium in a pilot plant 90 1 fermenter was also investigated. Optimal conditions resulted in employing a substrate containing 80 g/l of potatoes, 5.0 8/1 of cornsteep liquor, at 28°C, with a 3% inoculum.
S. castellii and E. fibdigera were also separately inoculated in solid and semi-solid substrates (potatoes, cassava flour, stale bread, maize flour). Under laboratory and semi-pilot plant conditions, carbohydrate conversion into protein was more effective on potato and cassava flour media.