Photobiostimulation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with Nano Cobalt Ferrite: A Sustainable Approach to Bioethanol Production from Banana Peels

This study presents a pioneering investigation into the effects of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4 NPs) on the fermentation efficiency of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the production of bioethanol from banana peel biomass. The findings reveal a notable difference between the control sample, which produced only 11.16% bioethanol, and the enhanced yield achieved with the addition of 100 ppm CoFe2O4 nanoparticles, which reached an impressive 52.16%. This substantial increase underscores the potential of nanomaterials to catalyze fermentation processes, likely due to their unique physicochemical properties that enhance metabolic activity in yeast cells. Additionally, the study explored the impact of visible light irradiation on bioethanol production. Light exposure alone resulted in a 15.44% increase in ethanol yield compared to the control sample without nanoparticles. This emphasizes the role of light in enhancing fermentation dynamics, potentially by providing additional energy for metabolic reactions. When CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were activated by visible light, their stimulating effects on ethanol production were further intensified, leading to a remarkable ethanol yield of 63.01%. These results indicate a synergistic relationship between the nanoparticles and light, where the photoactivation of the nanomaterials not only boosts their catalytic properties but also enhances the overall metabolic activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This suggests a promising approach for developing more efficient fermentation processes, potentially increasing bioethanol yields while utilizing waste materials. Overall, the integration of nanotechnology with renewable biomass resources offers a viable pathway toward more sustainable energy solutions.