Nitrogen-to-protein conversion factors revisited for applications of microalgal biomass conversion to food, feed and fuel

Summary

This paper revisits the standard nitrogen-to-protein conversion factors used in microalgal biomass characterisation, with specific application to food, feed, and fuel end-uses. The authors likely challenge the universal application of the traditional 6.25 factor (or crop-specific alternatives) to microalgae, suggesting that microalgal amino acid composition and non-protein nitrogen content warrant distinct conversion multipliers. The work contributes to more accurate protein quantification in emerging microalgal value chains.

Regional applicability

The methodology is geographically neutral and applies to microalgal production systems globally, including the United Kingdom if microalgal cultivation for food or feed were to expand. Adoption would require revision of analytical protocols and protein content declarations in UK food and feed labelling where microalgae are used.

Key measures

Nitrogen-to-protein conversion factors; protein content estimation in microalgal biomass

Outcomes reported

The study re-examined nitrogen-to-protein conversion factors (N-to-protein multipliers) applicable to microalgal biomass intended for food, feed, and fuel production. This work likely addressed the accuracy of protein content estimation in microalgae, which differs from terrestrial plant and animal sources.

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