February 02, 2026 | ACS omega |
This study conducted by researchers in Cidade Universitária, Campinas, Brazil investigated the potential of tropical fruit peel residues as lignocellulosic feedstocks for second-generation (2G) ethanol production. Agricultural and food-processing wastes provide renewable biomass for biofuel production, but effective pretreatment is required to disrupt lignocellulosic structures and improve cellulose accessibility for subsequent hydrolysis.
The researchers evaluated banana, orange, and mango peel residues and examined the effectiveness of triethylammonium hydrogen sulfate, an ionic liquid capable of disrupting cellulose-containing biomass. The residues were characterized for sugars, ash, moisture, extractives, cellulose, hemicellulose, and related components. Two pretreatment methods, using an oil bath and an oven, were compared, followed by yield, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy analyses.
Among the three materials, mango peel showed the greatest potential for bioethanol production due to its high sugar content, low ash and moisture levels, and favorable cellulosic composition, followed by orange and banana residues. The oven-based pretreatment was more effective in disrupting the lignin–hemicellulose–cellulose structure and promoting lignin removal. Mango residue also produced the most promising results for cellulose pulp recovery.
The findings indicate that ionic-liquid pretreatment offers a practical approach for converting tropical fruit processing wastes into potential feedstocks for renewable biofuel production while supporting agricultural waste valorization.
