Protein from microscopic sources—a realistic scalable solution?

Among the different possible alternative protein sources, a microbial protein (MP) obtained from bacteria, fungi (filamentous fungi and yeast), and microalgae, represents a highly efficient and potentially abundant protein source for both animal and human nutrition. The present chapter overviews and discusses the main aspects of MP production from various microorganisms, including their positioning in the nascent and fast-growing alternative protein industry. The chapter further explores and discusses the possibilities offered by the MP platform in relation to the nascent circular bioeconomy framework, particularly in relation to the European context. Finally, the main issues and obstacles that must be faced and overcome to bring MP to commercialization are evaluated in terms of technological, regulatory, and social aspects.