Commercially D-xylitol is produced by chemical reactions that are tailored to the requirements
of various sectors. However due to the rising interest in sustainable development and
ecologically benign practices microbial transformation processes are generally preferred over
the conventional chemical conversion process. The former have multiple advantages including
less chemical load on the environment higher efficiency and the ability to dilute multiple
downstream transformation attempts while maintaining product yield and recovery. This book aims
to disseminate the most current advances in the biotechnological production of D-xylitol and
its applications in medical and health care. It is a unique collection of 15 book chapters
split into 5 sections and written by experts in their respective fields who present critical
insights into several topics review current research and discuss future progress in this
area. This book also provides essential information on hemicellulose hydrolysis to recover
D-xylose detoxification of hemicellulose hydrolysates and improved fermentation methods for
increased D-xylitol production. The highlights of strain improvement to increase the D-xylitol
titers and downstream recovery of D-xylitol are also discussed in several sections. The current
applications of D-xylitol in medical and health care have been used to justify the cost
incurred for setting up the demonstration plant for D-xylitol production in the market. Apart
from researchers and post-graduate students in the field of microbial biotechnology this book
will assist those in the business community who deal with the economic analysis of bio-based
products and their marketing.
