Understanding the functional properties of microbial proteins

There is growing demand for sustainable protein across the food, feed and allied chemical sector in response to increasing population and environmental footprint concerns. This had led to a demand for alternative sources of proteins, other than those from animal origin. Single-cell proteins (SCPs) from microbial biomass show potential to help fill the protein gap while also providing micronutrients and other health benefits. Strains of bacteria, fungi (such as yeast) and microalgae have been used safely in food and feed applications for centuries and are being explored as sources of alternate proteins. Hence, it is important to understand how these SCPs work mechanistically in terms of functional and mouthfeel performance. This work aims to review the current understanding of techno-functional performance of SCPs and pinpoint the knowledge gap in the field.

Preliminary findings from literature reveal that whole microbial cells from bacteria, microalgae and yeast can function as colloidal particles to stabilise Pickering emulsions (1). Although extensive work on functional performance such as interfacial property and rheology have been carried out on algal biomass, work on SCPs from other microbial origin such as yeast remain principally unexplored. More importantly, the tribological and mouthfeel performance of SCPs from alternative sources such as those of yeast are rarely investigated. Detailed investigation of physio-chemical, mechanical and sensorial properties of SCPs is necessary before such biomass can be used to create low emission foods to tackle nutrition demands of growing population, while also ensuring food security and planetary health. By exploring their mechanism of action, their range of application can be broadened to other allied areas in the chemical sector.

The CDT in Molecules to Product has the potential to make a real impact as a consequence of the transformative nature of the underpinning 'design and supply' paradigm. Through the exploitation of the generated scientific knowledge, a new approach to the product development lifecycle will be developed. This know-how will impact significantly on productivity, consistency and performance within the speciality chemicals, home and personal care (HPC), fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), food and beverage, and pharma/biopharma sectors.
UK manufacturing is facing a major challenge from competitor countries such as China that are not constrained by fixed manufacturing assets, consequently they can make products more efficiently and at significantly lower operational costs. For example, the biggest competition for some well recognised 'high-end' brands is from 'own-brand' products (simple formulations that are significantly cheaper). For UK companies to compete in the global market, there is a real need to differentiate themselves from the low-cost competition, hence the need for uncopiable or IP protected, enhanced product performance, higher productivity and greater consistency. The CDT is well placed to contribute to addressing this shift in focus though its research activities, with the PGR students serving as ambassadors for this change. The CDT will thus contribute to the sustainability of UK manufacturing and economic prosperity.
The route to ensuring industry will benefit from the 'paradigm' is through the PGR students who will be highly employable as a result of their unique skills-set. This is a result of the CDT research and training programme addressing a major gap identified by industry during the co-creation of the CDT. Resulting absorptive capacity is thus significant. In addition to their core skills, the PGR students will learn new ones enabling them to work across disciplinary boundaries with a detailed understanding of the chemicals-continuum. Importantly, they will also be trained in innovation and enterprise enabling them to challenge the current status quo of 'development and manufacture' and become future leaders.
The outputs of the research projects will be collated into a structured database. This will significantly increase the impact and reach of the research, as well as ensuring the CDT outputs have a long-term transformative effect. Through this route, the industrial partners will benefit from the knowledge generated from across the totality of the product development lifecycle. The database will additionally provide the foundations from which 'benchmark processes' are tackled demonstrating the benefits of the new approach to transitioning from molecules to product.
The impact of the CDT training will be significantly wider than the CDT itself. By offering modules as Continuing Professional Development courses to industry, current employees in chemical-related sectors will have the opportunity to up-skill in new and emerging areas. The modules will also be made available to other CDTs, will serve as part of company graduate programmes and contribute to further learning opportunities for those seeking professional accreditation as Chartered Chemical Engineers.
The CDT, through public engagement activities, will serve as a platform to raise awareness of the scientific and technical challenges that underpin many of the items they rely on in daily life. For example, fast moving consumer goods including laundry products, toiletries, greener herbicides, over-the-counter drugs and processed foods. Activities will include public debates and local and national STEM events. All events will have two-way engagement to encourage the general public to think what the research could mean for them. Additionally these activities will provide the opportunity to dispel the myths around STEM in terms of career opportunities and to promote it as an activity to be embraced by all thereby contributing to the ED&I agenda.