Bioprospection of Enzyme-Producing Bacteria Applicable to the Hydrolysis of Cacao Biomass (Theobroma cacao)

Abstract

This article examines the potential of cocoa agro-industrial waste for biofuel production, aiming to provide a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and promote waste reuse. It explores the bioprospecting of cellulase-producing microorganisms in cocoa-growing areas, focusing on the microbial diversity of Brazilian soil and its role in lignocellulose degradation. The method involved the induction of cellulolytic activity in a medium with CMC, isolation and characterization of the bacteria, production of an enzymatic extract, and quantification of reducing sugars via the DNSA method. The objective is to identify efficient cellulase-producing microorganisms to optimize the conversion of cocoa residues into biofuel, promoting a greener economy in the energy sector. A total of four bacterial strains (3A, 5, 6, and 8) were isolated, Gram staining was performed for each, and sugar quantification yielded the following enzymatic activity results: strain 3A – 0.42; 5 – 0.2; 6 – 0.24; and 8 – 0.27 U/mL.