Co-culture: A great promising method in single cell protein production

The term single cell protein (SCP) refers to the dried microbial cells or total protein extracted from pure microbial culture (algae, bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts) which serves as food or/and feed supplements. Different substrate and fermentation optimizations are being carried out to maximize SCP production. However, little attention was given to coculturing. SCPs are produced better using coculture than monoculture. This paper reviews the positive roles of coculture in SCP production. First, it results in better saccharification of substrates and efficient carbon source utilization. Second, filling substrate utilization gap is another contribution of coculture. Third, it upgrades biomass and enrich SCP with nutrients than monoculture. Fourth, it reduces fermentation time and production cost by reducing cost of substrate treatment. Key words: Single cell protein, biomass, coculture, monoculture, mixed culture.