Banana represents one of the most important fruit crops, with a global annual production of more than 50 million tons. Peels constitute up to 30% of the ripe fruits. It was reported that banana peel is an energy-rich carbohydrate substrate for single-cell protein production for food and feed applications.
Attempts at utilization of banana waste include the biotechnological production of protein, ethanol, alpha-amylases and cellulalases. The idea of ethanol as an alternative fuel was realized, when it was clear that could be used as an octane enhancer on automobiles. In search of cheaper alcohol source, a number of lignocellulosic wastes were put on bioconversion trial. Banana peels have lately tried.
The production of ethanol from banana peel was reported in the 1980s (Ethanol from banana peels H.K. Tewari, S.S. Marwaha, K. Rupal Agricultural Wastes Volume 16, Issue 2, 1986, Pages 135-146).
The peels were saccharified with H2SO4, cellulose and steam and fermented with Saccharomyces ceravisiae var, ellipsoideus. Depending on the concentration, pressure and time, different rates of sachharification were achieved. The process was further accelerated by steaming and autoclaving.
With the cellulase, an ethanol yield of 1.38%, and with H2SO4 treatments, an ethanol yield of 0.78% was obtained Ethanol from banana peels.
Ethanol production from banana peels
