Optimizing xylitol production: a molecular and experimental study of xylose reductase in Candida tropicalis

Xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol, is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries as both an artificial sweetener and an anticariogenic agent. Traditional xylitol production relies on harsh chemicals and energy-intensive processes, making microbial fermentation a more sustainable alternative. This study explores the ability of Candida tropicalis to convert D-xylose into xylitol through the enzyme xylose reductase, with a focus on optimizing pH conditions to enhance conversion efficiency. To achieve this, both experimental fermentation and computational molecular dynamics simulations using GROMACS and the pHbuilder tool are employed. By analyzing the enzyme’s stability and structural dynamics across different pH levels, this research aims to improve xylitol yield while minimizing environmental impact. The findings contribute to advancing green chemistry principles and industrial bioprocess engineering, offering a cleaner, more efficient approach to xylitol production.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Author dc:creator

• Neal, Zackery

Contributors dc:contributor

• Harris, Bradley
• Kode, Venkateswara; Turgeson, Andrew
• College of Engineering and Computer Science

• Candida tropicalis--Genetics
• Fermentation--Industrial applications
• Xylitol--Biotechnology

Licence

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

English, eng

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/1042

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.utc.edu:theses-2227