PRODUCTION OF 2-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID FROM 1,2-BUTANEDIOL BY RESTING CELLS OF RHODOCOCCUS SP STRAIN TB-42

Various microorganisms were screened for their ability to produce 2-hy droxybutyric acid (2-HBA) from 1,2-butanediol (1,2-BD). Strain TB-42, which was newly isolated from a soil sample, was selected as the best strain. From taxonomical studies, the strain was concluded to belong t o the genus Rhodococcus. The effects of various carbon sources of the culture medium on the 2-HBA production from 1,2-BD by the resting cell s of this strain were tested. The addition of ethanol as a carbon sour ce in the growing medium was found to be most effective. The resting c ells of the strain grown on the ethanol as the carbon source yielded 1 6.7 mg/ml of 2-HBA from 1,2-BD for 12 h incubation at 35 degrees C in the reaction mixture under optimal conditions (20 mg/ml of 1,2-BD and 2% of CaCO3).