Bioconversion of alpha- and beta-pinene by Pseudomonas sp strain PIN

A soil pseudomonad capable of metabolizing either alpha- or beta -pinene as sole carbon and energy source was isolated with an enrichment culture. Cul ture broth in mineral media gave rise to a pine-like aroma during the initi al fermentation stage and a fresh rose-like aroma during the late fermentat ion stage. No growth inhibition was found up to 10% pinenes concentration. The bioconversion products of cx-pinene were identified as limonene, p-cyme ne, alpha -terpinolene, camphor, terpinen-4-ol, a-terpineol, endo-borneol, and p-cymene-8-ol. The bioconversion products of beta -pinene were the same except for the presence of fenchyl alcohol and the absence of camphor. Mos t of the accumulated products were p-menthene derivatives such as p-cymene, limonene, and alpha -terpinolene in both substrates. Total bioconversion w as 33.5% of alpha -pinene and 58.8% of beta -pinene. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.