Production of single cell protein by a halophilic microorganism using glucose as carbon source: Optimization of process variables in extreme conditions by Taguchi experimental design

Mojtaba Taran, Salar Bakhtiyari*

¹ Department of Biology,Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

P.O. Box, 6714967346, Kermanshah, Iran

²Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.

³Clinical Microbiology Research Center, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.

Corresponding Author Email: bakhtiyari-s@medilam.ac.ir,

bakhtiyaribio@gmail.com;  Tel. +98-8412235745

Accepted 02 April, 2012

Abstract

Single cell protein as a source of protein is very promising, with potential to satisfy the world shortage of food while population increases. In this study, the effect of different factors (carbon source concentration, type of phosphorus source, phosphorus source concentration, type of nitrogen source, nitrogen source concentration and temperature) on the single cell protein production form glucose as carbon source by Haloarcula sp. IRU1 was investigated in extreme conditions. Taguchi experimental design revealed that optimal conditions for single cell protein production are: glucose 8% (w/v), tryptone 0.8% (w/v), NaH₂PO₄ 0.016% (w/v) and temperature 55^◦C. Taguchi approach resulted in evaluating the main and interaction effects of the factors. The results showed that Haloarcula sp. IRU1 can be used satisfactorily to produce single cell protein in different conditions (high salt and high temperature conditions).

Keywords: single cell protein, halophilic microorganism, glucose, Taguchi experimental design