Abstract

We recently found that Trichoderma reesei RUT C30 is able to grow using green macroalgae Ulva from ‘green tides’ as carbon source. So, in this work we assessed the production of SCP for salmon feeding by means of T. reesei RUT C30 growth in Ulva spp. from green tides. T. reesei RUT C30 was grown in liquid cultures using 25 g/L of Ulva rigida as carbon source and 5% ammonium sulfate for 11 days at 30 °C. Both extracellular and intracellular protein contents were assessed, as well as reducing sugars present in the culture medium. The results showed an increase in protein content in pellet granules grown both with Ulva and glucose as a carbon source but no growth when using Ulva as the exclusive nitrogen source. In our experiments, protein production rate of T. reesei RUT C30 in 25 g/L of Ulva is a 90% when compared to growth in 2% glucose. It demonstrates that Ulva spp. is a suitable and eco-friendly substrate for T. reesei RUT C30 growth. Furthermore, we were able to obtain precise results by means of adjusting the amount of Ulva substrate, spore inoculum and sampling conditions optimization.