Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) was performed in a mixture of 2% peptone and 1% yeast extract with 5% (w/w) alkali-pretreated EFBs. K. marxianus cells (precultured on YPD medium) were inoculated into the medium (50 mL working volume per 250 mL-flask) with cellulase enzymes at a concentration of 10 FPase units (FPU) per g solid weight, and incubated 42 C with agitation at 200 rpm. The amounts of sugars and ethanol produced were measured by HPLC at different times.