Response surface optimization of medium composition for xylitol production by Debaryomyces hansenii var hansenii using corncob hemicellulose hydrolysate

Optimization of the culture medium for xylitol production using Debrayomyces hansenii var hansenii was carried out. The optimization of xylitol production using corncob hemicelluloses hydrolysate as substrate was performed with statistical methodology based on experimental designs. The screening of nine nutrients for their influence of xylitol production to achieved using a Plackett-Burman design. MgSO4.7H2O, KH2PO4, (NH4)2SO4, yeast extract were selected for based on their positive influence on xylitol production. The selected components were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimum conditions are: MgSO4.7H2O - 1.02 g/l, (NH4)2SO4 - 3.94 g/l, KH2PO4- 2.74 g/l and yeast extract - 3.45 g/l. These conditions are validated experimentally which revealed an enhanced xylitol yield of 0.76 g/g.