Here, it is shown three-step investigative procedures aiming to improve pentose-rich fermentations performance, involving a simple system for elevated mass production by Scheffersomyces stipitis (I), cellular recycle batch fermentations (CRBFs) at high cell density using two temperature strategies (fixed at 30 degrees C; decreasing from 30 to 26 degrees C) (II), and a short-term adaptation action seeking to acclimatize the microorganism in xylose rich-media (III). Cellular propagation provided 0.52 g(dry) (cell) (weight) g(RS)(1), resulting in an expressive value of 45.9 g(dry cell weight) L (1). The yeast robustness in CRBF was proven by effective ethanol production, reaching high xylose consumption (81%) and EtOH productivity (1.53 g L (1) h (1)). Regarding the short-term adaptation, S. stipitis strengthened its robustness, as shown by a 6-fold increase in xylose reductase (XR) activity. The short fermentation time (20 h for each batch) and the fermentation kinetics for ethanol production from xylose are quite promising. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.