Optimization of soluble sugar production from pineapple peel by microwave-assisted water pretreatment

The purpose of this study was to assess the potential of pineapple peel as a feedstock for fermentable sugar production. Soluble sugar production from pineapple peel was conducted in a process involving microwave-assisted water pretreatment without a catalyst in an apparatus set which prevented any loss of liquid or corrosion from vapor and reduced energy consumption. The pretreatment variables consisting of biomass loading (100-160 g/L), microwave power ( 90-900 watts) and irradiation time (5-20 minutes) were investigated by response surface methodology. The maximal total sugar yield in the liquid fraction after the pretreatment was 80.2% (80.2 g total sugars per 100 g dried peel) obtained using 100 g/L biomass loading at 900 watts for 9 minutes. Under these conditions, the glucose yield was 7.8% . This process offers an alternative approach to the cost-effective production of fermentable sugars from biomass-waste products, using less reagent and low energy in a self-reliant technology.