FERMENTATION OF CELLULOSIC MATERIALS TO MYCOPROTEIN FOODS

A new bioprocess is described in which a cellulolytic, food-grade fung us Neurospora sitophila converts cellulosic materials to protein-rich products for food and fodder. The optimal conditions for the conversio n are identified: 35-37-degrees-C temperature, pH 5.5, 2.35 ms-1 agita tor tip speed. Scale-up of the production process to 1,300 L is report ed. The mycoprotein production data on several types of cellulosic mat erials (sugarcane bagasse, com stover, wood cellulose) are presented. The performance of N. sitophila is found to compare favourably with th at of Chaetomium cellulolyticum, another cellulolytic organism previou sly reported on by us.