EN
This article reviews the current concepts in microbial production of xylitol with pure D-xylose or processed lignocellulosic materials as substrates by yeast strains such as Candida tropicals, C. guilliermondii and Debaromyces hansenii. The importance of xylitol as sugar substitute and coating agent in the production and preparation of food and pharmaceutical products was presented. In addition, the metabolism of D-xylose to xylitol, physiology of the yeast strains and biotechnological parameters affecting the formation of xylitol were discussed.