| dc.description.abstract | The term “single cell protein” is used to describe the dried cells of various nutrient-rich and non-pathogenic microorganisms such as yeast, fungi, algae, and bacteria as food supplements. Physarum polycephalum is a fungus-like organism (slime molds) belonging to the Kingdom Protista. Microplasmodia of this slime mold are fast growth. Initial study found that their lipids consist of a high content (40.5%) of monounsaturated acid (oleic). Additionally, the microplasmodia have no cell wall; thus, they would be used as a supplemental source of beneficial fatty acids. The major purpose of this research was to investigate the growth performance of the microplasmodial culture in flask and fermentor scales for biomass production.
In flask scale, maximum dry cell weight (DCW) was obtained after 4 days with the amount of 2.5 g/L. When being cultured in a 5-L fermentor with the working volume of 3 L, maximum DCW of P. polycephalum was also obtained after 4 days. However, the DCW was enhanced to 4.811 g/L. this biomass enhancement would be because of the better aeration in the fermentor. In terms of other parameters, both flask and fermentor cultures displayed the same trends: pH was almost stable, but glucose concentration decreased over time. Based on the glucose profile, fresh medium was attempted to add on the third day with the hope to supply more nutrients for the culture. Unfortunately, contamination occurred, thus, the culture was terminated.
Initial nutritional analysis showed that the biomass of P. polycephalum consists of 11.45% of protein, 37.45% of carbohydrate, and 13.95% of lipids.
Keywords: Physarum polycephalum, lipid, carbohydrate, protein, single cell protein, fermentation mode | en_US |
