Production of Single Cell Protein - SCP - Biomass (SCP) production is ordinarily carried out in the continuous mode to maximise yields and economic returns.

The process of SCP production from any microorganism or substrate would have the following basic steps.

1. Provision of a carbon source; it may need physical and/or chemical pretreatments.

2. Addition, to the carbon source, of sources of nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients needed to support optimal growth of the selected microorganism.

3. Prevention of contamination by maintaining sterile or hygienic conditions. The medium components may be heated or sterilized by filtration and fermentation equipments may be sterilized.