Optimization of bioethanol production from cassava peels

Abstract

The bioethanol production from waste is acquiring attraction as a strategy for increasing energy security. This study aims to optimize the production of ethanol from cassava peel using Box Bhenken experimental design. The total carbohydrate content of about 90% in cassava peel was subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using Alpha-amylase followed by Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) by Saccharomyces cerevisiae for bioethanol production. The production of bioethanol from cassava peels was investigated for 1-4 hours (hydrolysis time), 0.5–1.5mg/L (enzyme loading), and 1-5 days (incubation time). A statistical model was developed and validated to predict the yield of bioethanol after fermentation, and the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the conditions. The results revealed that the maximum ethanol yield of 1.911% was obtained at the optimum hydrolysis time, enzyme loading, and incubation time (i.e. 2.5 hours, 1 mg/L, and 3 days respectively).