Growth of a Thermophilic Bacterium on Hydrocarbons: A New Source of Single-Cell Protein

Abstract

A species of the genus Bacillus, capable of growth on normal alkanes at 70°C, was isolated by the method known as enrichment culture. Preliminary analyses of its amino acid composition indicate that it would be a good source of protein for human nutrition. Possible advantages of the use of such organisms for the production of single-cell protein include simplification of fermentor cooling and asepsis.