Exploring Bio-Ethanol Production from Fruit Wastes Through Fermentation with <i>Saccharomyces Cerevisiae </i>and<i> Aspergillus Niger</i>

Bioethanol, a sustainable alternative fuel derived from organic materials, is essential for addressing global energy demands and environmental concerns. This study aimed to produce bioethanol from banana and mango peels using co-cultures of <i>Aspergillus niger</i> and <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae </i>through a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process. Fully ripened banana and mango peels, obtained from a local market, were dried, ground into fine particles, and used as substrates for bioethanol production. The fermentation process was carried out by sequentially inoculating the substrates with <i>Aspergillus niger</i> to enhance starch hydrolysis, followed by <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> to facilitate fermentation. The process lasted for 7 days under controlled conditions, with a pH range of 5.5-6.0 and a temperature of 28±2°C. Among the tested samples, the mixed substrate of banana and mango peels yielded the highest ethanol concentration at 79% (w/v), while mango peels alone produced 74% and banana peels produced 71%. The enhanced performance of the mixed substrate highlights the synergistic effect of combining different fruit wastes. The presence of <i>Aspergillus niger</i> played a crucial role in breaking down complex starches into simpler sugars, enabling <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> to effectively convert these sugars into ethanol. This study demonstrates the potential of fruit waste, specifically banana and mango peels, as cost-effective and sustainable raw materials for bioethanol production, providing a promising alternative to fossil fuels. Future research should focus on optimizing fermentation conditions, exploring the potential of additional fruit waste substrates, and scaling up the process for commercial viability.