SCP production from natural gas

The conversion of methane to protein-rich biomass by methanotrophic bacteria is an important process in the natural nutritional chain. Over the past decades extensive efforts have been made to simulate this process industrially in order to create an alternative source of proteins.

The BioProtein technology has been successfully developed by use of methane-rich natural gas as sole energy and carbon source. Combining the methanotrophic bacteria Methylococcus capsulatus with a set of heterotrophic bacteria a biological system can be created with sufficient high energy utilisation for industrial-scale production of biomass.

The production of BioProtein takes place in a specially designed and patented loop fermentor in which oxygen, ammonia, minerals and water are added in addition to natural gas. The biomass is continuous harvested from the fermentor, then sentrifuged, ultrafiltrated, heat inactivated and finally spray dried. The finished basic BioProtein product is a light brownish, free-flowing granulate containing approximately 70% of high quality proteins.

BioProtein or its derivatives have been extensively documented and proved suitable for use in fish and animal feedstuffs, both as a nutritional source and as a functional ingredient. Further studies for the use in human food is ongoing. The functional properties of BioProtein are also being utilised for various industrial applications, such as adhesives.

Composition of BioProtein

The basic BioProtein product is the biomass harvested from the natural gas based fermentation process. The spray-dried granulated product has a particle size of 150 – 200 m m. BioProtein has a very high protein content which makes it particularly attractive as a protein source.

Chemical Composition of BioProtein (on dry matter basis; typical analysis)

Compound	Content
Crude protein	70%
Crude fat	10%
Ash	7%
Nucleic acid	10%
Phosphorus	18g/kg
Iron	310 mg/kg (max)
Copper	110 mg/kg (max)

The amino acid profile of BioProtein is attractive for most nutritional purposes. All the essential amino acids are present in adequate amounts. The high amount of tryptophan should be noted as this could have particular value in feed for certain animal species.

Contents of selected essential amino acids in protein sources *)

	Skim milk powder	Fish meal	Soya bean meal	BioProtein
Crude protein	36,1%	63,8%	45,8%	70,0%
Amino acids (g/kg):
Methionine	8,4	16,1	5,6	18,7
Cystein	2,7	5,6	6,1	4,2
Lysine	26,0	44,0	24,6	43,0
Threonine	14,8	24,3	15,7	31,0
Tryptophan	4,7	6,6	5,5	14,8
Arginine	11,3	33,8	29,2	41,3
Total	69,9	130,4	86,7	153,0

*) Values, exept for BioProtein, are from: The Amino Acid Composition of Feedstuffs, Degussa AG.

Main Properties of BioProtein

Produced by simulation of a natural occurring process in nature
Consistent in composition and quality – independent of seasonal variations
Non-toxic and no known allergenicity
Free from Salmonella or other pathogens
Excellent palatability
Long shelf life
Good handling characteristics
Biodegradable
Unique properties make it suitable for a variety of applications

Applications and Products

BioProtein is the basic product from which various formulations and derivatives can be made tailored to its specific application. The primary focus in product development has been the use of BioProtein in feedstuffs for selected fish and animal species, human food applications and various industrial uses. The trademarks below have been selected to designate the group of products falling under each of these application areas.


Products for Fish and Animal Feedstuffs	Products for Human Food Application	Products for Industrial applications