Fermentation Technology, Provesteem, Single Seed Protein, Biotechnological Approaches, Methanol, Ethanol, Petroleum, Natural Gas

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	Fermentation Technology In several fermentation technology used currently, there are serious environment implications, so that cleaner technologies for fermentation have been devised using biotechnological approaches, thus reducing the risk of environmental damage. This will be illustrated using the example of provesteem, a single seed protein (SCP). This was initially produced by yeast fermentation and patented in 1972 by Provesta Corporation, a subsidiary of Phillips Petroleum in USA. Provesteem is 60 per cent protein and also contains essential vitamins and minerals.
It can be fed directly to farm animals or used as a dietary supplement for human consumption by mixing it with flour, meal or locally packaged food. This SCP is derived from feedstocks like methanol or ethanol, which in their turn are obtained from petroleum or natural gas. However, in countries with little or no hydrocarbon reserves, biomass in the form of agricultural or forestry wastes can be converted into alcohol feedstock to be used for production of SCP. Sugars like glucose or sucrose can also be used, Biotechnological processes have been devised, in which all nutrients introduced for fermentation are retained in the final product, ensuring high conversion efficiency and low environmental impact.