A team led by Marília Mateus and Teresa Cesário from 2BRG-iBB, conducted a study within the PROMISEANG project (Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking, co-financed by the European Union) that was recently published in the journal Algal Research. This study aimed at the sustainable and economically viable production of single cell protein (SCP) with an amino acid profile suitable for human nutrition. An industrial by-product from the macroalga Gelidium corneum (following agar extraction) was enzymatically hydrolyzed. The resulting syrup served as a fermentation substrate for a consortium of lactic acid bacteria. The fermented broth was separated into concentrated SCP and a supernatant rich in lactic acid. This supernatant was then used to cultivate Corynebacterium glutamicum to obtain more SCP. The fermented products exhibited significantly higher protein content and quality, as well as bioavailability, when compared to the original by-product. This strategy for valorizing marine by-products produced nutritionally and functionally rich ingredients for human and animal feed. See more.