Characteristics of two yeast strains (Candida tropicalis) isolated from Caryota urens (Kithul) toddy for single cell protein production

Abstract

Characteristics of two strains of yeast, identified as Candida tropicalis, strains NCYC 2705 and NCYC 2699 isolated from Caryota urens toddy were studied for their possible utilization in single cell protein (SCP) production. Having a moisture content of 7%, ash content of 8% and crude protein content more than 45%, these two strains conform to official specification for food yeast of U.S. Further these two strains contain essential amino acids amounting to 82% and 72% of the total amino acid content. One of the salient features of the amino acid contents of these two strains of C. tropicalis was the high content of cysteic acid which is normally found in low amounts in most of the other microorganisms. Substantial high levels of vitamins especially thiamine and riboflavin in these two C. tropicalis strains make them suitable candidates for SCP production.