Solvent-tolerant bacteria in biocatalysis

The toxicity of fine chemicals to the producer organism is a problem in sev eral biotechnological production processes. In several instances, an organi c phase can be used to extract the toxic product from the aqueous phase dur ing a fermentation. With the discovery of solvent-tolerant bacteria, more s olvents can now be used in such two-liquid water-solvent systems. We are ga ining new insights into the mechanisms of bacterial solvent tolerance, such as the active efflux of solvents from the cytoplasmic membrane and solvent -impermeable outer membranes.