Review
Abstract
The peels of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) for several decades had been highly underutilized until recent times when the potential applications of the peels in biotechnology and agricultural industries gained the attention of researchers. In this review, the biochemical/proximate composition of cassava peel alongside the effects of submerged or solid-state fermentation on its nutritional and anti-nutrient constituents was discussed. Furthermore, various industrial applications of cassava peels such as in the production of simple sugars and confectionaries, animal feeds, industrial enzymes, biogas, bioethanol, organic acids (including citric acid), and treatment of waste water were discussed. The use of cassava peels as good substrates for the production of tetracycline and other antibiotics was also highlighted. The present review advances the prospects of cassava peel as being more than just an agricultural waste but also an embodiment of future biotechnology products including bioethanol, biogas, citric acid and other biochemicals if properly and deliberately harnessed.
Key words: Agricultural waste, biotechnological applications, cassava (Manihot esculenta) peels, fermentation, proximate composition.
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