Utilization of biodegradable by-products into Protein Rich Extract For Either Ruminants or fish - Single Cell Protein
The aim of the project is to develop a technology that would allow the cultivation of protein-producing microorganisms using cheap and underused biodegradable agricultural residues, production by-products and invasive plants as feed material in the Latvian economy. Cultivation of these micro-organisms would yield protein-rich microbial biomass, called single-cell proteins (SCP), which can be used as a major source of protein in farm and aquaculture animal feed. Combining the latest innovations in bioreactor design, hydrolysis of biodegradable materials and selection of microorganisms – the project plans to develop a technological solution that would ensure the production of SCP, which would be cheaper than the current feed, would have a higher total protein content, all essential amino acids. The solution would provide farms and aquaculture with high-quality feed containing all the essential amino acids, thus producing high-nutrition products from these animals that would be healthier for human consumption. The technology would not create competition over existing agricultural land, the process would be significantly faster and more environmentally friendly than existing alternatives. Reducing the need for agricultural raw materials will reduce the negative impact on nature and species diversity. The process would ensure environmentally friendly disposal of biodegradable production residues and by-products, as well as from by-products available in Latvia, could produce products with higher added value than the currently used solutions (biogas, heating, fertilizer).
The first phase of the project, lasting 6 months, will include a feasibility study of fermented by-products and a commercialization strategy. The results of the initial research showed that the developed technology and product have commercialization potential. In identifying potential licensees for the technology, a number of manufacturing companies whose by-products generated during their core business are suitable for the production of single-cell proteins have shown interest in acquiring this technology. The results obtained during the feasibility study, commercialization strategy and experimental validation are planned to be used to justify the promotion of this technology for the second phase of the project and commercialization in general. Within the framework of the full project, it is planned to develop the technology up to the TRL7 level.
The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the project is supervised by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia.
PROJECT FUNDED BY:
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
PROJECT DURATION:
From 1st of April 2020 until 30th of September 2020
PROJECT BUDGET:
27 777.77 EUR
SCIENTIFIC LEADER OF THE PROJECT:
Jeļena Pubule
PUBLISHED:
24.07.2020.
Scientific publications:
- Raita, S., Spalvins, K., Raits, E., Silicka, I., Blumberga, D. Effect of Polysorbates on the Growth of Rhodotorula Glutinis in Oil Rich Medium (2021) Environmental and Climate Technologies, 25 (1), pp. 1075-1085. https://doi.org/10.2478/rtuect-2021-0081 (Published: 2021.12.04.)
02.05.2022.
During the development of the project, the strain of the microorganism used for the technology has been identified, as well as the medium containing used cooking oil has been optimized. Preparations are underway to move the technological solution to commercialization.
