Optimization of xylitol production by Candida guilliermondii FTI 20037 using response surface methodology

The combined effects of initial xylose concentration and inoculum level on xylitol production by Candida guilliermondii from rice straw hydrolysate were studied using response surface methodology. A 2(2) full-factorial central composite design was employed for experimental design and analysis of the results. The optimum xylose concentration and inoculum level were found to be 82 and 3 g/l, respectively. In these conditions, xylitol concentration of 52 g/l with a production rate of 0.54 g/l and a yield factor of 0.65 g/g was attained. These results are in close agreement with the model predictions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.