Protein enrichment ol algae bagasse by solid-state fermentation

• Olga Bravo Universidad Nacional Experimental Francisco de Miranda (UNEFM)-Venezuela
• Belkis Llamozas de Colman Universidad Nacional Experimental Francisco de Miranda (UNEFM)-Venezuela
• Carmen Maldonado Universidad Nacional Experimental Francisco de Miranda (UNEFM)-Venezuela

Abstract

As a residue of agar-agar extraction from agarophyte algae (Gracilaria debilis) in the Pilot Unit of the CITEC algae bagasse was obtained, treated with alkali (NaOH 5% p/p) or water at different liquid/solid ratios (L/S) and its digestibility was measured as microbial protein production of Chaetomium cellulolyticum grown on solid-state fermentation columns. The bagasse shows the high raw protein (12.54%), cellulose (35.58%) and hemicelluloses contents (20.75%); besides, it contains residues of agar and other hydrocolloids (14.30%). This composition is similar to that of lignocellulosic residues, but without lignin and a higher protein content. It could therefore be used directly to feed ruminants since it satisfies their high energetic requirements, and protein requisite. The treatments did not greatly change the bagasse composition neither significantly enhanced fungus growth compared to non-treated bagasse, which was used as a control. Fermented bagasse reached an average protein content of 18.47% and a final raw fiber content of about 37%, which makes possible the usage of the bagasse in the preparation of rations for pigs.