Growth of the Acid-Tolerant Fungus Scytalidium acidophilum as a Potential Source of Single-Cell Protein

An acid-tolerant fungus, Scytalidium acidophilum, was cultivated in peat extract for potential use as a single-cell protein (SCP) source. In shake flask fermentations with a 0.3% yeast extract diluted peat extract medium, it was found that the best conditions for growth occurred at pH 2.0 and 25°C. The maximum biomass concentration was produced after 10 days, with no significant differences for agitation rates between 100 and 200 rpm. Microbial contamination was not observed in nonaseptic operations. The protein content and amino acid composition of the mycelium produced compares with those reported for S. acidophilum grown in other fermentation media. The advantages of growing S. acidophilum in acid peat extract are presented.