MICROBIAL PRODUCTION OF XYLITOL FROM HEMICELLULOSIC BIOMASS

Authors: Saha, Badal; Bothast, Rodney

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/26/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Xylitol, a five-carbon polyalcohol, has attracted much attention because of its potential use as a natural food sweetener, as a dental caries reducer and as a sugar substitute in diets for diabetics. Currently, it is produced chemically by catalytic reduction of xylose. Various microorganisms can convert xylose to xylitol. The present review describes microbial production of xylitol from xylose and xylose rich hemicellulose fractions present in various lignocellulosic biomass.