PRODUCTION OF AN ESTERASE FROM FUSARIUM-OXYSPORUM CATALYZING TRANSESTERIFICATION REACTIONS IN ORGANIC-SOLVENTS

The production of an esterase by Fusarium oxysporum, grown on tomato s kins as the sole carbon source, was studied in submerged and solid sta te cultures. Under optimum growth conditions, enzyme yields as high as 7.3 U/ml of culture medium and 19.4 U/g of carbon source were obtaine d. The esterase catalysed the synthesis of esters in organic solvents. Geraniol was transacetylated in hexane by the esterase using triacety l as an acetyl donor. The geranyl acetate yield was 68%. (C) 1998 Else vier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.