Work

Bioethanol production from fruit waste using a microbial co‐culture of Bacillus siamensis F2 and Candida albicans GP1

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study explores the sustainable valorization of fruit waste (FW) for bioethanol production using a consolidated bioprocess (CBP) that combines fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis in a single step. A co‐culture of Bacillus siamensis F2 (a multienzyme producer) and Candida albicans GP1 (a fermentative yeast) was employed to maximize bioethanol yield. Initially, C. albicans GP1 was isolated and characterized from grape pomace, with its fermentative efficiency tested on various sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose, cellulose, pectin, and starch). Following this, critical parameters – pH, temperature, fermentation time, substrate concentration, and inoculum levels – were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) to improve bioethanol production. Under optimal conditions (15% FW concentration, 7.5% v v −1 B. siamensis F2, 8% v v −1 C. albicans GP1, 120 h fermentation time, 35 °C, and pH 7), a maximum bioethanol yield of 48 g L −1 and 0.7 g g −1 of utilized FW was achieved. Techno‐economic analysis revealed positive profitability, indicating the economic feasibility of the process. The successful utilization of FW for bioethanol production highlights its potential as a sustainable solution for waste valorization and renewable energy generation.

Source: Biofuels Bioproducts and Biorefining

DOI: 10.1002/bbb.2792

Authors: Baliram Gurunath Rathod, Venkata Giridhar Poosarla, Gobinath Rajagopalan, Ananya Kumari, Nagaveni Shivshetty

Institutions: GITAM University, South Asian University

Language: English

Topic: Biofuel production and bioconversion

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,530