Bioethanol extraction from Coconut (Cocos nucifera Linnaeus) embryo using Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract

The world oil crisis is looming as supply levels are under threat. This study is the first attempt to extract bioethanol from Coconut (Cocos nucifera Linnaeus) embryo using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Samples of coconut embryos were collected, ground, and subjected to acid hydrolysis. These were then filtered, and the residues collected were treated with two different amounts of buffer solution. Cultured strains of S. cerevisiae were inoculated into the prepared Yeast Extract-Peptone-Dextrose (YPD) broth. Buffer-treated samples were then inoculated with 5 ml of the yeast solution and allowed to ferment at various times. After different fermentation times, samples were filtered, and the obtained filtrates were subjected to the distillation process for bioethanol concentration determination. Results showed that samples allowed to ferment at 72 h and 96 h yielded 7.11% and 12.22% bioethanol, respectively. The samples treated with 50 ml and 100 ml of buffer solution produced 9.02% and 10.31% bioethanol, respectively. The main effect of fermentation time on bioethanol concentration was statistically substantial such that samples allowed to ferment in 96 h yielded higher bioethanol concentration than samples permitted to ferment in 72 h. Based on the results, bioethanol could be extracted from a novel, cheap, and readily available coconut embryo using S. cerevisiae.