Using E. coli to Make Chiral Alcohols
Author Information
Author(s): Kratzer Regina, Pukl Matej, Egger Sigrid, Nidetzky Bernd
Primary Institution: Graz University of Technology
Hypothesis
Can a whole-cell biocatalyst based on E. coli co-expressing specific enzymes effectively produce chiral alcohols?
Conclusion
The E. coli biocatalyst co-expressing CtXR and CbFDH is effective for synthesizing ethyl R-4-cyanomandelate with high optical purity and yield.
Supporting Evidence
- The E. coli strain produced high levels of the desired enzymes.
- The biocatalyst achieved an enantiomeric excess of 97.2% under optimized conditions.
- Increasing substrate concentration improved enantiomeric excess but decreased yield.
Takeaway
Scientists created a special E. coli that can turn certain chemicals into a type of alcohol that is very pure. This could help make medicines better.
Methodology
The study involved co-expressing two enzymes in E. coli to enhance the production of chiral alcohols through biotransformation.
Limitations
The stability of the enzymes and substrate toxicity limited the overall yield of the desired product.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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