Utilization of pineapple (Ananas comosus) peels in the production of single cell protein using Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract

This study aimed to utilize pineapple [Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.] peels in the production of single cell protein (SCP) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae via submerged fermentation. This investigation determined the lignocellulosic composition of pineapple peels such as the holocellulose, hemicelluloses, total acid soluble and insoluble lignin, alpha cellulose and total extractives. Other properties of pineapple peels such as the moisture and ash content as well as the total reducing and total sugar were also determined. In the production of SCP, four different media supplements such as pure powdered pineapple peels hydrolyzate, powdered pineapple peels hydrolyzate supplemented with salts, powdered pineapple peels hydrolyzate supplemented with glucose and powdered pineapple peel hydrolyzate supplemented with salts and glucose were used. Results of the study revealed that the pineapple peels showed a high percentage of holocellulose and hemicellulose indicating that it is a good substrate for the production of SCP. It was also found out that there was no significant difference on the percentage yield of SCP using different media supplements. On the other hand, a significant difference was noted on the crude protein content of SCP using different media supplements. Using the best media supplement, it was found out that the moisture, ash and crude fat differed significantly while no significant difference was noted in the crude fiber and crude protein when the commercially available SCP and the SCP produced were compared.