Addressing key challenges in fermentative production of xylitol at commercial scale: A closer perspective

Rao Ravella, David James Walker, Joe Gallagher, Ana Winters, David Bryant

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

3 Citations (Scopus)
103 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Xylitol has been recognized by the US Department of Energy (DOE) as one of the top 12 value-added chemicals obtained from biomass, with a world market of 200,000 tonnes per year. The global xylitol market is expected to reach a value of US$ 1 Billion by 2026 growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% during 2021-2026. Historically, the commercial xylitol production process has been dependent on the chemical hydrogenation of xylose. Several xylitol production plants, mainly in China that use the chemical process have had to reduce their production capacity to address regulations governing sustainability and environmental standards. In this chapter, key challenges and possible solutions for fermentative xylitol production at commercial scale are discussed in terms of: (1) Feedstock supply for commercial production plants; (2) Industrial biomass pretreatment; and (3) Lessons learned from industrial operations. These are drawn together to identify technology gaps and scaling-up challenges in light of the capital expenditure required to build a state-of-the art xylitol industrial biotechnology (IB) production facility and the potential to reduce climate change impact and contribute towards achieving net-zero targets.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCurrent Advances in Biotechnological Production of Xylitol
Subtitle of host publicationFermentative Production of Xylitol
EditorsMaria das Graças de Almeida Felipe, Anuj Kumar Chandel
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages181-204
Number of pages24
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9783031049422
ISBN (Print)9783031049415
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Aug 2022

Keywords

  • xylose,
  • xylitol
  • xylitol commercialization
  • fermentation
  • scale-up
  • biorefining
  • steam explosion
  • Fermentation
  • Scale-up
  • Xylitol commercialisation
  • Xylose
  • Steam explosion
  • Biorefining

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