Biotransformation oif Benzaldehyde into (R)-Phenylacetyl Carbinol by Brettanomyces Lambicus or Their Extracts

V. Muthumani¹ and A. Priyadharsini¹

Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan College of Arts and Science for Women, Perambalur - 621 212 India.

Corresponding Author E-mail: pearlbell78@gmail.com

ABSTRACT: Extracts of 7 yeast were examined regarding their potential for production of (R)-phenylacetylcarbinol [(R)-PAC], which is the chiral precursor in the manufacture of the pharmaceuticals ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Benzaldehyde and pyruvate were transformed at a scale of 1.2 ml into PAC by cell-free extracts of all selected strains, covering the broad taxonomic spectrum of Zygomycota and Basidiomycota. Highest final PAC concentrations were obtained with the extracts of Brettanomyces lambicus. [78-84 mM (11.7-12.6 g/l) PAC within 20 h from initial substrate concentrations of 100 mM benzaldehyde and 150 mM pyruvate]. (R)-PAC was in about90-93% enantiomeric excess. Brettanomyces lambicus were used as an example in a biotransformation process based on whole cells and benzaldehyde and glucose as substrates. The substrate pyruvate was generated through the fungal fermentation of glucose. Only 19 mM PAC (2.9 g/l) was produced within8 h from 80 mM benzaldehyde, with evidence of significant benzyl alcohol production.

KEYWORDS: Brettanomyces lambicus; Biotransformation, PAC; Ethanol production

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