BIOTRANSFORMATION IN ORGANIC MEDIA BY ENZYMES AND WHOLE CELLS

Biotransformation of poorly water soluble compounds in organic media b y immobilized enzyme and whole cells is illustrated in this paper taki ng the following examples from the author's laboratory: (1) controlled hydrolysis of triglycerides and synthesis reactions by a recombinant lipolytic enzyme (cutinase); (2) enzymatic synthesis of dipeptides; (3 ) continuous production of isovaleraldehyde by Gluconobacter oxydans i n isooctane; and (4) sitosterol side chain cleavage by Mycobacterium s p. The role of water and organic solvent are evaluated, namely the inc rease in the volumetric productivity of the reaction system and the sh ift of the reaction equilibrium in favour of product synthesis. High p roduct yields have been obtained due to the reduction of substrate/pro duct inhibition. Biocatalyst stability in the presence of the organic phase was also performed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.