Patent ID: 6271007
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: C12N,C12P,C12R

Abstract:
A method for the production of xylitol from a non-pathogenic yeast strain, wherein said method comprises:(a) selecting a non-pathogenic yeast strain that can synthesize and metabolize xylitol, said yeast strain being, a member of a species selected from the group consisting of Candida, Hansenula, Kluyveromyces, and Pichia and said yeast strain being genetically capable of using xylose as a sole carbon source for growth;(b) modifying said yeast strain of part (a), such that metabolism of xylitol is reduced or eliminated and said strain therefore has a genetically reduced ability for using xylose as a sole carbon source for growth after said modifying;(c) growing the modified yeast strain of part (b) in xylose-containing medium under conditions in which said xylitol is produced and accumulates in said medium when said strain is growing on said xylose; wherein, said xylitol that is produced is 35%-68.5% of the xylose that is consumed, and(d) recovering said xylitol produced in part (c) from said medium.