Date seed waste derived nanocatalyst and its application in production of hydrolytic enzyme, fermentative sugars and biohydrogen

Biofuel production from cellulosic biomass is a promising approach; however, the cost-intensive utilization of cellulolytic enzymes is a major roadblock to economic production. This study reports the preparation of a nanocatalyst using date seed and evaluates the impact of nanocatalysts on cellulolytic enzyme production using solid-state fermentation of date pulp waste through bacterial co-cultivation. Under optimized conditions, 30 IU/gds filter paper activity is produced in the presence of 2 mg of nanocatalyst. Cellulase showed thermal stability at 50 °C and pH 7 up to 10 h in the presence of nanocatalyst, and it produced 32.31 g/L glucose through the hydrolysis of acidic-pretreated date seeds in 24 h. Subsequently, 1788 mL/L of cumulative H₂ in 24 h through cocultured dark fermentation could be produced. The approach presented in this study can be effective for multiple value additions, including nanocatalyst preparation, cellulase enzyme, and biohydrogen production.