Comparing cell viability and ethanol fermentation of the thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on steam-exploded biomass treated with laccase

► S. cerevisiae and K. marxianus were compared for lignocellulosic ethanol production. ► S. cerevisiae was able to produce ethanol from steam-exploded biomass. ► K. marxianus was inhibited by the presence of toxics in the steam-exploded biomass. ► Laccase was used to detoxify the steam-exploded biomass. ► Laccase led to obtain comparable ethanol concentrations and yields with both yeasts.