The acid hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials for obtaining xylose solutions and the utilization of hydrolysates for making culture media for xylitol production are reviewed. Strategies for enhancing bioconversion of hydrolysates, including microorganism adaptation and physico-chemical processing of hydrolysates, are discussed. The effects caused by other influential factors (such as type and concentration of inhibitors, degree of hydrolysate concentration, cell concentration, pH, available oxygen and media supplementation) are also considered