Abstract

Extracts of papaya fruit were used as substrate for single cell protein (SCP) production using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A 500 g of papaya fruit was extracted with different volumes of sterile distilled water. Extraction with 200 mL of sterile distilled water sustained highest cell growth. Biochemical analysis of dry biomass revealed the following composition: 35.5% protein, 40.7% saccharide, 4.09% lipids, 0.04% magnesium, 9.63% moisture and 7.90% total ash. Nutrient found in papaya fruit extract were 9.8% saccharide, 0.1% crude protein and 7.3% total soluble sugars.

Key words: Papaya, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, single cell protein.