Optimization of Alkaline Pretreatment and Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Cassava Bagasse for the Production of Fermentable Sugar

Abstract

The availability and reliability of energy sources and the consequences of their use on ecosystems are critical problems in Nigeria and across the globe. The quest for cleaner fuels for various consumer, industrial, and commercial applications has progressed in recent years. This study aims to assess the efficacy of the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process for extracting fermentable sugar from cassava bagasse. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to determine the best alkaline pretreatment conditions. The highest overall fermentable sugar output was 582.209 mg/ml and was achieved using a central composite design. The optimized levels of the factors were obtained at a temperature of 87 °C, 45 minutes, and a 0.8M alkaline concentration. The pretreated condition was then used in enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. Biomass characterization showed cassava bagasse as a suitable feedstock for fermentable sugar biosynthesis because of its high hemicellulose and cellulose content.