Resolution and synthesis of optically active alcohols with immobilized ovalbumin and pea protein as new bio-catalysts

It was found that ovalbumin stereoselectively oxidized one of the enantiome rs of p-substituted racemic alcohols, thereby providing optically active al cohols with high optical purities, It was found out that, when used appropr iately in combination with immobilized pea protein, immobilized ovalbumin m ade it possible to resolve and synthesize racemic 1-(2-naphthyl)ethanol ? 1 -phenylethanol, and l-phenyl-l-propanol. Immobilized ovalbumin could be con tinuously recycled at least three times without lowering the yield and puri ty of the products. These results suggested that cereals, beans, and ovalbu min might have additional fourth function among conventional foods. Namely, there might contain nutritional, sensory, biologically regulatory and bio- catalytic functions in conventional foods.