Protein enrichment of sago starch by solid-state fermentation with Rhizopus spp.

Protein enrichment of sago starch of three different diameters was investigated both in flask culture and under forced aeration in a packed-bed fermenter using two strains of Rhizopus. Protein production by R. oligosporus UQM 145F was superior to Rhizopus sp. UQM 186F in the flask culture without aeration, with both preferring larger diameter (3 to 4 mm) spherical sago-beads. In the packed-bed fermenter with forced aeration, Rhizopus sp. UQM 186F led to more rapid protein production compared to R. ollgosporus UQM 145F and produced equivalent final yields (about 10% protein on a dry wt basis).