Volarization of agro-industrial waste: proximate analysis and potential of cola hispida pod as a novel substrate for microbial biosurfactant production
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Public Health, Texila American University Guyana.
3 Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Oye Ekiti.
4 Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria Nsukka.
5 Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo Eno, Enugu State Nigeria.
6 Diseases Prevention and Monitoring Department, eHealth Africa.
7 Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna PMB 65 Niger State Nigeria.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology, 2025, 15(02), 201-207.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjst.2025.15.2.0149
Publication history:
Received on 15 November 2025; revised on 24 December 2025; accepted on 26 December 2025
Abstract:
The commercial-scale production of microbial biosurfactants is often hindered by the high cost of conventional fermentation substrates. This drives the search for affordable and renewable alternatives. Cola hispida, a tropical tree extensively cultivated in West Africa, produces substantial amounts of fruit pods that are usually discarded after seed extraction. This study aimed to evaluate the proximate composition and fermentation-relevant nutritional profile of Cola hispida pod biomass to determine its suitability as a potential substrate for biosurfactant production. Using standard AOAC analytical methods, the dried pod was found to be rich in carbohydrates (54.07 ± 0.85%), highlighting its strong potential as a primary carbon source for microbial growth. Moderate levels of crude protein (11.87 ± 0.31%) and ash (7.78 ± 0.18%) indicated the presence of organic nitrogen and essential minerals necessary for microbial metabolism, while a substantial fiber fraction (16.97 ± 0.42%) suggested an additional reservoir of slowly degradable carbon. A comparative assessment with other commonly used agro-industrial wastes showed that Cola hispida pod possesses a nutritionally competitive profile. Calculated fermentation indices further revealed a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio favorable for the synthesis of secondary metabolites. These findings position Cola hispida pod as a promising, low-cost, and locally available substrate for microbial biosurfactant production, offering a sustainable strategy for agro-waste valorization.
Keywords:
Biosurfactant production; Agro-industrial waste valorization; Cola hispida pod; Fermentation substrate; Proximate composition; Low-cost medium; Circular bioeconomy; Sustainable biotechnology
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