High-yield production of single-cell protein from starch processing wastewater using co-cultivation of yeasts

Single-cell protein (SCP) from potato starch processing wastewater (PSPW) shows great potential against protein scarcity and unsustainable production of plant and animal proteins. In this study, five yeasts were selected to conduct a series of PSPW fermentation for obtaining high-value SCP by optimizing fermentation conditions. The yeast combination was optimized as Candida utilis, Geotrichum candidum and Candida tropicalis with the volume proportion of 9:5:1. The inoculum size, temperature, rotation speed and initial pH were optimized at 12 %, 24 degrees C, 200 r center dot min(-1) and similar to 4.13 (natural pH), respectively. At the optimal conditions, SCP yield of 3.06 g center dot L-1 and water-soluble protein of 17.32 % were obtained with the chemical oxygen demand removal of 56.9 %. A resource-recycling process of PSPW was proposed by coupling yeast fermentation and up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) treatment to achieve simultaneous high-level organic removal and SCP production, which could be a promising alternative technology for PSPW treatment.

Automated summary

By optimizing fermentation conditions, five yeasts were selected to ferment potato starch processing wastewater, resulting in the production of high-value single-cell protein. This has the potential to combat protein scarcity and the unsustainable production of plant and animal proteins.