Acetate-rich Cellulosic Hydrolysates and Their Bioconversion Using Yeasts

Numerous technological advances have been made in the depolymerization and fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass. Nevertheless, economic feasibility is still a major concern for the bioconversion of lignocellulose into value-added products. Acetate—the most abundant carbon source after the sugars in cellulosic hydrolysates—has been considered a fermentation inhibitor, but it can also be a good substrate in industrial biotechnological processes. Co-consumption of acetate and cellulosic sugars by yeasts will improve the economic feasibility of any bioconversion processes using cellulosic hydrolysates. This study investigates state-of-the-art technologies for the utilization of the hemicellulose fractions of lignocellulosic biomass, rich in acetate and xylose. Furthermore, the potentials of acetate- and xylose-rich hydrolysates will be highlighted in diversifying the product profiles for lignocellulosic bioprocesses from bioethanol to drop-in fuels and other value-added chemicals.