Deletion of the PHO13 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae improves ethanol production from lignocellulosic hydrolysate in the presence of acetic and formic acids, and furfural

► Disruption of PHO13 in xylose-fermenting yeast improved ethanol yield and productivity. ► Higher growth ability was also obtained by the disruption of PHO13. ► Moreover, PHO13 disruptant showed tolerance to acetic and formic acids and furfural. ► Biomass hydrolysate containing multiple inhibitors was effectively converted to ethanol.