Estudo da Atividade amilolítica de extrato enzimático de trichoderma reesei na hidrólise da casca do cará (Dioscorea alata)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the application of the enzymatic extract produced by the fungus Trichoderma reesei in converting yam peel biomass into fermentable sugars. Amylase production was carried out through solid-state fermentation (SSF), using a substrate composed of corn cob and wheat bran. The microorganism was incubated on the moistened substrate for seven days, and the crude enzymatic extract was obtained using sodium citrate buffer. Amylolytic activity was determined by quantifying reducing sugars through the dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method. A 2² factorial design was applied to assess the effects of pH and temperature on enzymatic activity, with pH showing the most significant influence under the tested conditions. The best combination (pH 4,8 and 50 °C) was used to perform the enzymatic hydrolysis of yam peel biomass, monitoring the release of reducing sugars over time. The results demonstrated the feasibility of the process, with a gradual increase in sugar concentration and high productivity in the initial minutes. It is concluded that the enzymatic extract produced via SSF is a promising and low-cost alternative for converting agro-industrial residues into value-added compounds, such as fermentable sugars, with potential application in second-generation bioethanol production.