Effect of inhibitors formed during wheat straw pretreatment on ethanol fermentation by Pichia stipitis

► Wheat straw can be used efficiently for ethanol production using Pichia stipitis. ► Acetic acid, furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural are the main inhibitors found. ► Acetic acid, furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural show a synergic effect. ► Good ethanol yields are obtained with no detoxified steam exploded wheat straw.