The heavy reliance on fossil fuels has intensified the search for renewable energy alternatives (Pathak and Das, 2020). Lignocellulosic biomass is one such alternative, offering a sustainable source for bioethanol production. It primarily consists of cellulose and hemicellulose, with cellulose being the most abundant carbohydrate and a key feedstock for ethanol production (Liu et al., 2019). Second-generation bioethanol, produced from lignocellulosic materials, is considered an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. These materials include agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, pulp mill byproducts, switchgrass, and garden waste— resources that do not compete with food crops (Pimentel and Patzek, 2005). 

Sugarcane bagasse (SCB), a byproduct of sugar production, is among the most abundant lignocellulosic wastes, generating around 540 million tons annually (Satyanarayana et al., 2008). Bioethanol is traditionally produced by fermenting sugars and starches from crops like corn, sugarcane, bamboo potatoes, rice, and beetroot. Recently, fruit waste such as bananas, grapes, and dates has also been explored as potential feedstock. 
With the gradual consumption of nonrenewable fossil resources and the rapidly growing demand for energy resources, the conversion, and utilization of renewable resources have attracted great interest in recent years. Biomass resources cannot only replace fossil energy, but also meet the requirement of sustainable development by sequestering carbon through photosynthesis, and therefore have promising development prospects. Among the biomass resources, as one of the most promising feedstocks for producing biofuels and biochemicals, lignocellulosic biomass is abundant, inexpensive, renewable, and does not compete with grain crops. Wooden resources in China are scarce, while the bamboo resource is relatively abundant. 

As the fastest growing plant in the world, bamboo can grow as rapidly as 91 cm per day and reach maturity in 3–5 years. It was reported that the annual output value of the bamboo industry in China reached 300 billion RMB. However, owing to the hollow structure, large sharpness, and poor timber properties of bamboo green and yellow, the processing residues were increased with the rapid development of the bamboo processing industry and amount to about 2817 million tons currently. While the current disposal methods for bamboo processing residues still involve burning or landfilling directly, which causes serious environmental pollution. Therefore, if the bamboo processing residues can be fully employed for their high value, they will be equivalent to an inexhaustible renewable resource. 

The lignocellulosic cell wall of mature bamboo wood consists of 40–60% cellulose, 20–32% hemicellulose, and 20– 30% lignin. The components are firmly bound by the combination of covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals forces. Cellulose, as the skeleton part, is encapsulated by lignin and hemicellulose. Both conventional methods for producing bioethanol (i.e., biochemical and thermochemical processes) require pretreatment to destroy the crystalline structure of cellulose by removing a maximum amount of lignin and hemicellulose. \Pretreatments can expose cellulose by separating hemicellulose and lignin and reduce the crystallinity and degree of polymerization of cellulose to improve the accessibility and enzymatic efficiency of cellulose. 

To improve ethanol yield from lignocellulosic biomass, pretreatment is essential. Physical, chemical, and biological methods such with the aid of microorganism that enhances biodegradation and saccharification which are somehow used to reduce lignin, enhance enzyme accessibility, and lower cellulose crystallinity (Maiorella, 1985; Taherzadeh and Karimi, 2007; Jeihanipour and Taherzadeh, 2009; Sun and Cheng, 2002). These steps are critical to developing sustainable biofuel technologies amid environmental and energy challenges (Lou and Zhang, 2022). Although ethanol remains the most studied biofuel, biobutanol is gaining attention due to its higher energy content and gasoline-like properties (Amiri et al., 2014). Utilization of fungal species is also especially those from the Saccharomyces genus, which are widely used in fermentation due to their ability to efficiently convert various sugars into ethanol and tolerate high alcohol concentrations. However, in a recent study done by Madigal et al., 2019, four (4) isolates from fermented nipa sap have shown great productivity under acid and high temperature, showcasing the potential capability of these isolates for bioethanol

production. According to the study, high temperature and acidic tolerance were observed in one of these isolates (Pichia kudriavzevii) and is a suitable characteristic for bioethanol production. On the other hand, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora, is a selective lignin degrader 

without causing major damage to the cellulose in lignocellulose and degrades lignin in cell walls and middle lamellae without eroding the wood cell walls (Tanaka et al., 2009; Messner et al., 

1994). Previous studies (Wan and Li, 2010a, 2010b) reported that 

At MMSU, bamboo residues and sugarcane bagasse are considered waste from processing our signature products, such as eKawayan bamboo furniture and “Sukang Iloko” (locally made vinegar from sugarcane). These wastes are often discarded or incinerated, which represents an untapped reservoir of fermentable sugars. When combined with proper pretreatment strategies—physical disruption, chemical hydrolysis, or enzymatic saccharification—these residues can be effectively converted into fermentable substrates. Such a holistic approach aligns with global sustainability goals by minimizing environmental pollution, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, and promoting the use of renewable resources. Ultimately, the convergence of waste valorization, microbial biotechnology, and advanced pretreatment techniques holds immense promise for the future of bioenergy, especially in developing countries with abundant agricultural and bamboo-based industries. 

Hence, the utilization of these agricultural wastes is important in promoting zero waste initiatives and advancing the circular economy. By transforming lignocellulosic residues—such as sugarcane bagasse, fruit peels, and bamboo processing byproducts—into value-added products like bioethanol, not only is waste reduced, but energy sustainability is also enhanced. The integration of efficient microbial strains such as Ceriporiopsis subvermispora and Pichia kudriavzevii into simultaneous saccharification and fermentation processes further accelerate the separation of its chemical components and increase the efficiency of subsequent biorefinery processes. These robust isolates open new avenues for economically viable and environmentally friendly bioethanol generation from unconventional biomass sources. 

Studies have shown microbial pretreatment to be cost-effective and environmentally friendly, particularly for rural and small-scale applications. However, limited work has been done using local MMSU biomass resources and native microbial isolates, justifying this research. 

Product. An optimized protocol for bioethanol production using sugarcane bagasse and bamboo residues, including validated fungal strains (Ceriporiopsis subvermispora and Pichia kudriavzevii).
Publication. At least one journal article in a peer-reviewed journal and conference proceeding focusing. 

People Services. Capacity-building among local researchers, students, and technical personnel in advanced biofuel technology and microbial fermentation.
Places and Partnerships. Strengthened collaboration between MMSU’s National Bio-Energy Research and Innovation Center and local industries such as sugar mills and bamboo processors. 

Policy. Recommendations for integrating lignocellulosic waste-to-biofuel processes into local waste management and renewable energy strategies.