Sacarificación enzimática de la holocelulosa presente en el raquis del banano para obtener azucares fermentables.

Abstract

This research analyses the use of banana rachis as a raw material to obtain fermentable sugars by means of physical-chemical treatments and enzymatic saccharification. Banana production generates a large amount of agro-industrial waste, this raw material represents a by-product with a high content of lignocellulosic compounds, which makes it a viable option for the production of by-products such as fermentable sugars. The main problem lies in the rachis, which is an agro-industrial waste that is little used, accumulating in plantations and production centres without adequate management. This represents an environmental and economic challenge, but also an opportunity for the valorisation of this waste through biotechnological processes. However, the high content of the lignocellulosic structure hinders the efficient conversion of its components into fermentable sugars. To overcome this barrier, different treatments were applied, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis with Trichoderma reesei, a fungus widely used in lignocellulosic wall degradation. The application of appropriate pre-treatments is key to optimise the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into sugars. This study contributes to the valorisation of agricultural waste and the development of sustainable processes in the agro-industrial industry; the results showed that the electrolysis treatment presented the highest efficiency in enzymatic hydrolysis, reducing the recalcitrance of the rachis and improving the accessibility of the enzymes. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) confirmed significant differences in the efficiency of the treatments. It was concluded that banana rachis has a high potential for the production of fermentable sugars.