BIOCONVERSION OF (R)-(-LIMONENE BY PENICILLUM-DIGITATUM (NRRL-1202)())

Racemic limonene was enantio-selectively and enantio-specifically conv erted to (R)-(+)-alpha-terpineol by Penicillium digitatum mycelia. Bio conversion only occurred during the early to mid-log phase of growth. This pattern held true when different age inocula were used. Bioconver sion activity increased more than 4-fold after substrate induction. Ae ration was critical to this bioconversion. The optimum oxygen requirem ent was 1.6 mg/litre. Up to 4% (v/v) limonene did not inhibit the bioc onversion. cr-Terpineol inhibition was seen at concentrations greater than 25.9 mM. The optimum conversion temperature was 28 degrees C, and the optimum pH was 4.5. The highest concentration of product was form ed with a contact time of between 1 and 2 days. (C) 1998 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd.