Culture characteristics of Candida sp in waste conversion: implications for single-cell- protein-enriched feed supplement production

Abstract

A strain of Candida sp. was isolated from ripe banana pulp during the preliminary phase of a process for the production of a protein-enriched feed supplement. Morphological and biochemical tests demonstrated that the strain, which was bipolar and elongated, was not capable of growth at 37ºC but grew at room temperature only on dextrose and fructose and was able to supply its amino acid requirements in culture. The efficiency of conversion of readily utilizable carbon sources in fruit wastes used for feed supplement production by the test strain was also studied. Results obtained showed that reducing sugars were most readily utilized compared to other soluble carbohydrates. Conversion efficiencies were high and averaged about 75% in unsupplemented substrates. Supplementation with organic carbon and inorganic nitrogen compounds resulted in greatly increased biomass yields.