Concentration-driven Reverse Membrane Bioreactor for the Fermentation of Highly Inhibitory Lignocellulosic Hydrolysate

•Reverse membrane bioreactor was used for fermentation of wheat straw hydrolysate.•Diffusion cell was used to measure the diffusion rate of medium compounds through the membrane.•Membrane-confined yeast cells could detoxify a medium containing up to 16 g/l furfural.•High sugar co-utilization and ethanol yield was achieved in rMBR up to 9 g/l of initial furfural.•The inhibitor tolerance threshold was reached in rMBR with high furfural to cell ratio of 9.5:1.