Cellular Solutions: Evaluating Single-Cell Proteins as Sustainable Feed Alternatives in Aquaculture
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Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
3
Tropical Futures Institute, James Cook University, 149 Sims Drive, Singapore 387380, Singapore
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Biology 2025, 14(7), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14070764
Submission received: 13 May 2025
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Revised: 20 June 2025
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Accepted: 22 June 2025
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Published: 25 June 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art in Fish Nutrition: Antimicrobials, Immunostimulants, Synbiotics and Alternative Protein Sources)
Simple Summary
Single-cell proteins (SCPs) are emerging as promising alternative protein sources in aquaculture, offering sustainable solutions to meet the rising demand for fish feed. This review explores various SCP sources globally, including microalgae, bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and endophytes, with a focus on their nutritional benefits and functional properties. Evidence suggests SCPs enhance fish health, immunity, and growth performance. Endophytes, in particular, show potential due to their bioactivity and high protein content. However, despite their advantages, challenges such as production costs, scalability, and consumer acceptance hinder widespread adoption. This paper also outlines future directions to improve SCP integration in aquafeeds.
Abstract
The rapid expansion of the global population has intensified the demand for protein-rich food sources, positioning aquaculture as a crucial sector in the endeavor to alleviate global hunger through the provision of high-quality aquatic protein. Traditional protein sources such as fishmeal have historically served as the foundation of aquafeeds; however, their elevated costs and limited availability have catalyzed the search for sustainable alternatives. These alternatives encompass plant-based proteins, insect meals, and, more recently, single-cell proteins (SCPs), which are derived from microorganisms including bacteria, yeast, fungi, and microalgae. Nonetheless, SCP remains in its nascent stages and currently accounts for only a minor fraction of aquafeed formulations relative to other established alternatives. The production of SCP utilizes low-cost substrates, such as agricultural and dairy wastes, thereby supporting waste mitigation and principles of the circular economy. This review elucidates the nutritional value of SCPs, their potential for biofortification, and their emerging roles as functional feeds with immunomodulatory and nutrigenomic effects. Additionally, the review underscores the potential of endophytes as a novel SCP source, highlighting their underutilized capacity to foster sustainable innovations in aquafeeds.
