Quantitatively understanding reduced xylose fermentation performance in AFEXTM treated corn stover hydrolysate using Saccharomyces cerevisiae 424A (LNH-ST) and Escherichia coli KO11

► Effects of inhibitors on xylose consumption were studied. ► Degradation products and ethanol ceased xylose consumption by E. coli KO11. ► Xylose consumption rate of S. cerevisiae 424A reduced by 89% in hydrolysate fermentation. ► Degradation products were responsible for 32% of such reduction. ► Ethanol and fermentation metabolites were responsible for 24% and 33%, respectively.