African Journal of
Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biotechnol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1684-5315
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJB
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 12498

Full Length Research Paper

Production of ethanol and polyethanol by yeasts isolated from date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) wastes

Rezki Meriem Amina*
  • Rezki Meriem Amina*
  • Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella, Algeria.
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Aouad Linda
  • Aouad Linda
  • Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Djillali Liabes University, Algeria.
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Bekki Abdelkader
  • Bekki Abdelkader
  • Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella, Algeria.
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  •  Received: 17 September 2015
  •  Accepted: 05 November 2015
  •  Published: 16 December 2015

Abstract

The production of dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Algeria generates each year, considerable quantities of waste that weaken the balance of our environment and are very rich in organic matter. Their valuation by biotechnological processes enables the production of high value added materials with low cost. In this regard, the objective of this study focused on the selection of yeasts that can be used to produce ethyl alcohol from this waste used in many industries and phenylethanol, an aroma popular in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical. Among the three selected yeasts, RAM.20 generated up to 8 g/L of ethanol and excess of 800 mg/L of phenylethanol, and three sugars found in dates of the waste, namely glucose, fructose and sucrose. It is distinguished by its resistance to 18% ethanol (v/v) and 3 g/L phenylethanol. This strain naturally tolerates these products and is easy to handle and has a fundamental economic interest.
 
Key words: Yeasts, dates, waste, value, resistance, ethanol, phenylethanol.