Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a single-cell protein material (SCP). The SCP material lowers the concentration of cholesterol in plasma, and triglycerides in the liver. SCP also induces a favourable change in the fatty acid pattern, and lowers the concentration of homocysteine in plasma. A preferable embodiment of the invention relates to the use of SCP as an anti-atherogenic and cardio protective agent, either given as a pharmaceutical or as nutritional composition, e.g. as a functional food.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of lipids from methanotrophic bacteria for the manufacture of a composition for oral administration for use in the treatment of animal subjects to reduce plasma cholesterol levels therein or to reduce the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol in the plasma thereof. The composition is also useful for increasing plasma docosahexaenoic acid and as immuno-protectant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for imparting improved functional properties to a single-cell protein material, said process comprising the step of homogenizing an aqueous slurry of the single-cell protein, e.g, a single-cell protein material derived from fermentation on natural gas. The resulting homogenized protein material has excellent functional properties and finds particular use in the preparation of food products, for example as a gelling agent or emulsifier.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use as an immunostimulant of a composition comprising biomass derived from a methanotrophic bacterium-containing culture. The immunostimulatory effect of this biomass material renders this particularly suitable for use in preventing disease or conditions in an animal body which are associated with, caused by, or otherwise contributed to by any exogenous foreign material, e.g. a pathogenic microorganism. A preferred biomass for use in the invention is that derived from a microbial culture comprising Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) (strain NCIMB11132), DB3 (strain NCIMB 13287) and DB5 (strain NCIMB13289), optionally in combination with DB4 (strain NCIMB13288).

Abstract: The invention relates to a feed material for fish and shellfish, for example a feed material for molluscs such as mussels. In particular, the invention relates to the use of single-cell protein materials and their derivatives (especially homogenized and/or autolysed derivatives) as a feed for fish and shellfish. A preferred single-cell material for use in the invention is that derived from a microbial culture comprising Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) (strain NCIMB 11132), Ralstonia sp. DB3 (strain NCIMB 13287) and Brevibacillus agri DB5 (strain NCIMB 13289), optionally in combination with Aneurinibacillus sp. DB4 (strain NCIMB 13288).

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for imparting improved functional properties to a single-cell protein material, said process comprising the step of homogenizing an aqueous slurry of the single-cell protein, e.g. a single-cell protein material derived from fermentation on natural gas. The resulting homogenized protein material has excellent functional properties and finds particular use in the preparation of food products, for example as a gelling agent or emulsifier.