Valorisation of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) residues and cheese whey into volatile fatty acids for single cell protein production

The production of single cell protein (SCP) using lignocellulosic materials stands out as a promising route in the circular bioeconomy transition. However, multiple steps are necessary for lignocellulosics-to-SCP processes, involving chemical pretreatments and specific aerobic cultures. Whereas there are no studies that investigated the SCP production by using only biological processes and one type of biomass, able to work both anaerobically and aerobically. In this view, the valorisation of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) biomass residues (HBRs), specifically hurds and a mix of leaves and inflorescences, combined with cheese whey (CW) was investigated through a semi-continuous acidogenic co-fermentation process (co-AF). The aim of this study was to maximise HBRs conversion into VFAs to be further used as carbon-rich substrates for SCP production. Different process conditions were tested by either removing CW or increasing the amount of HBRs in terms of VS (i.e., two and four times) to evaluate the performance of the co-AF process. Increasing HBRs resulted in a proportional increase in VFA production up to 3115 mg HAc L−1, with experimental production nearly 40% higher than theoretical predictions. The synergy between HBRs and CW was demonstrated, proving the latter as essential to improve the biodegradability of the former. The produced VFAs were subsequently tested as substrates for SCP synthesis in batch aerobic tests. A biomass concentration of 2.43 g TSS L−1 was achieved with a C/N ratio of 5.0 and a pH of 9.0 after two days of aerobic fermentation, reaching a protein content of 42% (g protein per g TSS). These results demonstrate the overall feasibility of the VFA-mediated HBR-to-SCP valorization process.