Biowaste biorefineries in South Africa: Current status, opportunities, and research and development needs

Sekoai, Patrick T.; Chunilall, Viren; Msele, Kwanele; Buthelezi, Lindiswa; Johakimu, Jonas; Andrew, Jerome; Zungu, Manqoba; Moloantoa, Karabelo; Maningi, Nontuthuko; Habimana, Olivier; Swartbooi, Ashton

doi:10.1016/j.rser.2023.113870

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…From an R&D standpoint, several SCP-related research studies have been undertaken by the country’s leading academic institutions such as the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, University of Free State, and the University of Pretoria, among others, including the country’s leading science councils such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Although most of these SCP-related projects have just commenced and are mostly conducted at low TRLs, the obtained results will help scientific researchers, food industries, and policymakers make informed decisions when investing in robust and commercially-appealing SCP technologies in the future [ 149 ].…”

Section: Single-cell Protein Production In South Africamentioning

confidence: 99%

Valorization of Food Waste into Single-Cell Protein: An Innovative Technological Strategy for Sustainable Protein Production

Sekoai,

Roets-Dlamini,

O’Brien

et al. 2024

Microorganisms

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The rapidly increasing population and climate change pose a great threat to our current food systems. Moreover, the high usage of animal-based and plant-based protein has its drawbacks, as these nutritional sources require many hectares of land and water, are affected by seasonal variations, are costly, and contribute to environmental pollution. Single-cell proteins (SCPs) are gaining a lot of research interest due to their remarkable properties, such as their high protein content that is comparable with other protein sources; low requirements for land and water; low carbon footprint; and short production period. This review explores the use of food waste as a sustainable feedstock for the advancement of SCP processes. It discusses SCP studies that exploit food waste as a substrate, alongside the biocatalysts (bacteria, fungi, yeast, and microalgae) that are used. The operational setpoint conditions governing SCP yields and SCP fermentation routes are elucidated as well. This review also demonstrates how the biorefinery concept is implemented in the literature to improve the economic potential of “waste-to-protein” innovations, as this leads to the establishment of multiproduct value chains. A short section that discusses the South African SCP scenario is also included. The technical and economic hurdles facing second-generation SCP processes are also discussed, together with future perspectives. Therefore, SCP technologies could play a crucial role in the acceleration of a “sustainable protein market”, and in tackling the global hunger crisis.

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Section: Single-cell Protein Production In South Africamentioning

confidence: 99%