Aims: To produce single cell protein (SCP) by using waste capsicum powder produced during capsanthin extraction as a substrate.
Methods and results: The extraction [CPM (capsicum powder medium)] from waste capsicum powder was used as culture medium to cultivate four yeast strains. The main composition of CPM was determined. The average concentration of total sugar, total nitrogen and phosphorous of CPM were 16.3, 3.7 g l(-1) and 785.4 mg l(-1), respectively. Four yeast strains were cultured in two CPMs, and the cell mass, protein content of cells and specific growth rate of cells were determined. Addition of corn steep liquor significantly increased the cell mass production. Presence of capsaicin in CPM did not show inhibition of cell growth of yeast tested.
Conclusions: CPM contained sufficient nutrients and could be used as a good medium to produce SCP. Candida utilis 1769 was chosen as the biomass producer because of its highest SCP formation (6.8 g l(-1)) and higher specific growth rate (0.12 h(-1)). The amino acid composition of its protein was well balanced.
Significance and impact of the study: Utilization of waste capsicum powder can reduce environmental pollution and increase protein supply for animal feed.