Micro-organisms fungi

It is also important to notice that SCFs have biocide properties against most micro-organisms (fungi, bacteria, viruses) (20-25) and, even if it cannot be considered as a real sterilizing agent, SCF processes are intrinsically sterile and never increase the bioburden. 

Single cell protein, normally called simply SCP, is the term used to describe microbial cells, or proteins from them, which are used as food (food for humans) or feed (food for farm animals or fish). Although the term micro-organisms covers viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa, viruses and protozoa are not considered suitable for SCP production. 

Micro-organisms are rich in protein. Microbial cells can contain as much protein as conventional foods. Bacteria can contain 60-65% (as a % of dry weight) protein whereas fungi and algae contain about 40%. In addition, microbial cells can be a rich source of fibre, unsaturated fats, minerals and vitamins. They are low in saturated fats and sodium. 

Cain RB, RF Bilton, JA Darrah (1968) The metabolism of aromatic acids by micro-organisms. Metabolic pathways in the fungi. Biochem J 108 797-828. 

Micro-organisms (Figure 1), bacteria, moulds and yeasts, collectively known as fungi, are minute living entities, too small to be seen with the unaided eye. 

The second group of fungi is the yeasts (Figure 5). These are similar in some respects to the bacteria, being small unicellular organisms that divide rapidly under ideal conditions (once every 80 minutes). However, within the micro-organisms they are classified as fungi because their metabolism and other properties are the same as the moulds. 

Wooden hatch covers may support and encourage growth, particularly of fungi, and powders, caked onto the stirrer shaft and lid, moistened with condensation and not biocidally protected, can also become colonised by micro-organisms. 

The required growth conditions for bacteria and fungi are summarised in Table 5. Table 5 Growth Requirements for Micro-organisms... 

The wide range of micro-organisms found in emulsion paints dictates the use of broad spectrum products. However, many biocides are less active against fungi than bacteria (or vice versa) and it is therefore important to ensure that biocide manufacturers claims are backed up by results of realistic in-use tests. 

In the treatment of cellulose pulps one essential criterion for a suitable enzyme preparation is that its cellulase activity should be as low as possible, or preferably absent completely. As even extremely low cellulase activities may ruin pulp quality, Trichoderma enzyme preparations are unlikely to be suitable for these applications. Many bacterial and fungal enzymes with low cellulase activity have been shown to be suitable for treatment of pulps 14, 15, 16,17), Regulation of the often synchronous production of cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes in micro-organisms is not well understood, and is further complicated by substrate cross-specificity of these enzymes. Enzymes with both endoglucanase and xylanase activity have been reported for bacteria 18, 19) and fungi 20, 21, 22), In addition to selection of strain and... 

AntiBase 2005 is a comprehensive database of 31 022 natural compounds from micro-organisms and higher fungi based on curated literature reports. In addition to descriptive chemical data, biological data (e.g. pharmacological activity, toxicity) and information on origin and isolation are included. 

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