Development of efficient bioethanol-producing strains utilizing starch-rich potato peels

The growing demand for sustainable energy has underscored the potential of repurposing food waste, particularly potato peels, as substrates for bioethanol production. Potato peels are rich in starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, minor proteins, and lipids, making them an ideal feedstock for bioethanol production; however, conventional bioethanol production methods frequently encounter efficiency limitations. This study aimed to overcome these constraints by developing an innovative fusion strain, #20, through the protoplast fusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, known for its high ethanol yield, and Saccharomycopsis fibuligera, valued for its strong starch-degrading capabilities. Strain #20 demonstrated notably enhanced ethanol productivity during the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of potato peels, significantly surpassing the parental strains’ performance. Most impressively, strain #20 demonstrated remarkable efficiency by achieving a high ethanol yield with α-amylase supplementation, showcasing its ability to surpass traditional bioethanol production methods without requiring additional glucoamylase. This highlights its potential for reducing enzyme costs while maintaining high productivity. These findings illustrate the effectiveness of protoplast fusion in integrating advantageous traits from distinct yeast strains to optimize bioethanol output from food waste. This research supports the feasibility of utilizing potato peels as a renewable biomass resource, addressing waste reduction and advancing sustainable energy goals. Further studies are encouraged to evaluate the scalability and commercial applicability of strain #20 in larger bioethanol production systems.