Effect of orange peel oil on ethanol production by Zymomonas mobilis

The effect of orange peel oil on ethanol production by the ethanologenic bacterium Zymomonas mobilis was investigated. Orange peel oil was added in various amounts to determine its effects on ethanol production. Fermentation of model sugar solutions was conducted at 30 and 37 °C. The minimum orange peel oil concentration that inhibited ethanol production by Z. mobilis was determined after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h for both temperatures. Minimum inhibitory orange peel oil concentrations for ethanol production at 30 °C were 0.05% after 24 h, 0.10% after 48 h, 0.15% after 72 h, and 0.20% after 96 h. Minimum inhibitory orange peel oil concentrations for ethanol production at 37 °C were 0.05% after 24 h, 0.10% after 48 h, and 0.20% after 72 h. Orange peel oil did not inhibit ethanol production after 96 h at a temperature of 37 °C.