UTILIZATION OF GAS-OIL IN THE PRODUCTION OF SINGLE-CELL PROTEIN

II. STUDIES ON THE GROWTH OF A TRICHOSPORON SPECIES

Abstract

The growth characteristics of a strain of yeast belonging to the genus Trichosporon have been reported. The strain of yeast grows well in mineral salt medium containing gas-oil (BP 250-350°C) as the carbon substrate at pH 4.5. The gas-oil concentrations in the medium varying from 10 to 80 per cent and different phosphate concentrations have no striking effect on the growth of the organism. Cells grown on gas-oil are separated by treatment with a mixture of polar and nonpolar solvents. Dried hydrocarbon-free cells are analyzed for crude protein, amino acids etc. The crude protein and amino acid compositions of the strain compare well with other SCP products as well as FAO reference protein.