DETERMINATION OF REACTOR OPERATION FOR THE MICROBIAL HYDROXYLATION OFTOLUENE IN A 2-LIQUID PHASE PROCESS

Application of biotransformations to the synthesis of industrial chemi cals is in part limited by a number of process challenges. We discuss the conversion of toxic, poorly water-soluble organic substrates by wh ole cells, using as an illustrative example the specific hydroxylation of toluene to toluene cis-glycol by Pseudomonas putida UV4. Toxic eff ects may be eliminated through the introduction of tetradecane, to par tition toluene away from the biocatalyst, to give product concentratio ns of 30-60 g L(-1), in a two-liquid-phase reactor. The operational li mits of this system have been experimentally determined and are presen ted in the form of windows of operation.