Growth of a thermophilic bacterium on hydrocarbons: a new source of single-cell protein.

A species of the genus Bacillus, capable of growth on normal alkanes at 70 degrees C, was isolated by the method known as enrichment culture. Preliminary analyses of its amino acid composition indicate that it would be a good source of protein for human nutrition. Possible advantages of the use of such organisms for the production of single-cell protein include simplification of fermentor cooling and asepsis.