Bioconversion of spent millet into yeast as single cell protein : exploring the effect of sequential treatments of ultrasonication and lactobacillus fermentation | |
| Author | Timilsena, Santona |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.FI-25-03 |
| Subject(s) | Millets Single-Cell Analysis Lactic acid bacteria |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Food Innovation, Nutrition and Health |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This study investigates the impact of ultrasonication and fermentation strategies on crude protein enrichment in single cell protein (SCP) production from millet spent grain (MSG), an underutilized agro-industrial byproduct. A comparative evaluation between ultrasonicated and non-ultrasonicated MSG revealed that ultrasonication significantly enhances protein yield by improving cell wall disruption and nutrient bioavailability. Among all experimental conditions, the combination of Ultrasonication, Lactobacillus plantarum pre-fermentation, and nutrient supplemented yeast fermentation (C4-U) resulted in the highest crude protein content of 20.70%, representing a 72.5% relative increase compared to untreated MSG (12%). This substantial enhancement illustrates the synergistic role of physical pretreatment, microbial sequencing, and optimized nutrient supplementation in promoting efficient bioconversion. In conclusion, this research demonstrates the effectiveness of integrated bioprocessing approach of combining physical treatment ultrasonication, sequential microbial fermentation and sufficient presence of carbon to nitrogen ratio for enhancing protein recovery from MSG. This research provides valuable support to the potential of its strategy for sustainable SCP production and valorization of cereal-based residues in food applications. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Food Innovation, Nutrition and Health (FI) |
| Chairperson(s) | Anal, Anil Kumar |
| Examination Committee(s) | Himanshu, Sushil Kumar;Cruz , Simon Guerrero |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT Scholarship |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |