One of the problems associated with simultaneous saccharification
and fermentation (SSF) of cellulose is the different optimum
temperatures for saccharification (45–50 ◦C) and fermentation
(25–35 ◦C). The microorganisms employed in the fermentation of
sugars from lignocellulose into ethanol are principally bacteria and
yeasts [1,2]. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast has proved to be
more robust than bacteria, being more tolerant to ethanol and
inihibitors present in hydrolysates of lignocellulosic materials [3].
Due to their potential applications, thermotolerant yeasts at temperatures
above 35 ◦C have been the object of numerous studies
[4–7].