Bioproduction of xylitol by enzyme technology and future prospects

Xylitol is a high value sugar alcohol with anticariogenic properties that is used as an ideal sweetener for diabetic patients. Industrially, xylitol is manufactured by catalytic reduction of pure xylose, which has some disadvantages. The fermentation process has been studied as an alternative, but its viability is dependent on the optimization of several variables. This fermentation process on an industrial-scale is not feasible due to decreased productivity. Compared to the fermentation process, enzymatic method is expected to make a substantial increase in productivity. Enzymatic xylitol production from xylose exist in lignocellulosics is an attractive and promising alternative method to the chemical process. The enzymatic method might be able to overcome the disadvantages of the chemical process. This article reviews the literature on the processes for xylitol production and identifies further ways for improved xylitol production to compete with the current chemical process.