Malaysian Journal of Biochemistry
& Molecular Biology
(E-ISSN: 2600-9005)
The Official Publication of the Malaysian Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (MSBMB)
Indexed by SCOPUS and Malaysian Citation Index (MYCITE)
NEW ANNOUNCEMENT
The MJBMB will be revising its publication fee for accepted papers from MYR250 to MYR300 effective 1st January 2026.
New submissions received from 1st January 2026 onwards will pay the new rate.
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Special Issue (1) 2026
Selected Papers from the:
Korea-Asean Joint Symposium on Biomass Utilisation and Renewable Energy 2024 & AFOB Regional Symposium 2025
Page range 1-67
DOI:
Page 56-67
Fatimah Ibrahim Jumare, Madihah. Md. Salleh and Huszalina Hussin
CYANIDE DETOXIFICATION OF CASSAVA PEELS USING SOLID-STATE FERMENTATION WITH Trichoderma sp FJ 9
Abstract
Cassava peels, a major agro-industrial by-product, remain underutilized despite their high carbohydrate content and potential as a low-cost animal feed ingredient. However, their application in feed is limited by the presence of cyanogenic glycosides, which pose toxicity risks and prevent direct incorporation into feed formulations. This constraint underscores the urgent need for effective detoxification strategies that reduce cyanide to safe levels while preserving or enhancing nutritional value. This study contributes to cassava peel valorization by screening native fungi for cyanide degradation and protein enrichment under solid-state fermentation (SSF). Fifteen (15) native fungal isolates, mainly from the genera Aspergillus, Mucor, and Rhizopus, included seven that showed hydrogen cyanide (HCN) degradation activity. Isolate FJ 9 achieved the highest cyanide reduction at 73.76%, with a degradation rate of 10.53% per day during SSF. Protein content increased by 8.02% per day over 7 days of fermentation at 30°C and pH 5.0. Molecular characterization identified isolate FJ 9 as Trichoderma sp. This study demonstrates that cyanide detoxification is essential for enabling the safe utilization of cassava peel in animal feed and other value-added applications. The ability of Trichoderma sp. FJ9, which substantially reduces cyanogenic glycosides while enhancing protein content, highlights its potential to transform cassava peel waste into detoxified, nutritionally enriched biomass. These findings support sustainable feed production and contribute to broader agricultural waste management and food security initiatives.