Oil

Abstract

The carbohydrates which are consumed by microbes to produce protein are simple multiples of CH₂O. Hydrocarbons differ from carbohydrates by their lack of oxygen and if microbes are expected to grow on hydrocarbons they have to be forcibly supplied with oxygen, which can present a problem in the handling of large volumes of ferment. There is also a problem in supplying nutrients to microbes in a hydrophobic liquid, and a further problem when the grown microbes need harvesting and washing before killing and subsequent consumption. Protein from oil is a more difficult route than protein from carbohydrate and it does not have an assured market. There is an implied link between oil derivatives and cancer which, even though the link is not confirmed and despite the fact that no raw material is carried through with the microbial protein, inhibits consumer acceptance. Even without the implied link between cancer and oil derivatives, there would be instinctive preference for protein manufactured from carbohydrates because they are familiar food substances. Any derivative of carbohydrate, be it bread or cultured protein or beer, is acceptable to the common consumer. Oil is not a familiar food and its common derivatives are offensive to common consumers.