Optimization of Bioethanol Production from Sugar Bagasse by Aspergillus flavus Using Box Behnken Design

Abstract

"Bioethanol, a renewable fuel derived from biomass feedstocks like agricultural residues and forestry waste, holds immense promise for sustainable energy production. Notably, sugar bagasse—a residual lignocellulosic material after sugarcane juice extraction—offers a valuable substrate due to its high sugar content. To harness its potential for bioethanol generation, optimizing parameters, such as temperature, pH, and fermentation duration. This study is geared towards the strategic enhancement of bioethanol synthesis from sugar bagasse, employing the Box Behnken experimental design using Aspergillus flavus as the biocatalyst. Employing rigorous statistical modeling and analysis, the investigation dissects the intricate interplay of temperature, pH, and fermentation duration on the bioethanol production kinetics. The outcomes underscore the optimal operational nexus that attains peak bioethanol yield: a thermal setpoint of 32.6°C, a pH milieu of 5.3, and a fermentation interval spanning 57.9 hours. The discerned synergy of these conditions culminates in an impressive bioethanol yield of 41.6 mg/L, manifesting a remarkable 56.9% escalation relative to the baseline conditions. This inquiry not only imparts nuanced insights into the precision-tuning of bioethanol synthesis from sugar bagasse through Aspergillus flavus but also furnishes a pivotal trajectory for the advancement of sustainable, environmentally conscious biofuel production."