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Nutritional, Functional, and Safety Aspects of Single-Cell Protein Produced via Microbial Fermentation From
Gebeyehu Ayele1,2, Habtamu Admassu2,3, Gadissa Mosisa2,4
1Department of Food Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia.
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety
|April 6, 2026
Summary
Single-cell protein (SCP) from fruit waste offers a sustainable solution to the global protein deficit. Key factors for yield and quality include substrate composition and processing, not just the microorganism.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Sustainable Food Systems
- Waste Valorization and Biorefining
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Projected global protein deficit by 2050 necessitates novel protein sources.
- Fruit-processing residues constitute significant biomass waste (30%-40%).
- Need for integrated solutions for nutritional security and food waste valorization.
Purpose of the Study:
- Critically review single-cell protein (SCP) production from fruit-processing waste.
- Examine factors influencing nutritional quality, techno-functional performance, and safety.
- Assess industrial feasibility and identify barriers to large-scale adoption.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of current evidence on SCP production from fruit waste.
- Analysis of substrate composition, microbial metabolism, and downstream processing impacts.
- Integration of nutritional, functional, safety, techno-economic, and technological readiness perspectives.
Main Results:
- SCP yields 45%-65% crude protein with essential amino acids comparable to traditional sources.
- Carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, pretreatment, oxygen transfer, and nucleic acid reduction are key yield determinants.
- Techno-functional properties depend on cell-wall structure and protein recovery; bioactive potential enhanced by omics.
Conclusions:
- Downstream processing and drying are major cost drivers; feedstock variability impacts productivity.
- Knowledge gaps in safety (mycotoxins, allergenicity, nucleic acids) limit regulatory acceptance.
- Process integration, predictive control, and safety frameworks are crucial for large-scale SCP adoption.
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