Continuous production of enantiopure 1,2-epoxyhexane by yeast epoxide hydrolase in a two-phase membrane bioreactor

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2000 Nov;54(5):641-6. doi: 10.1007/s002530000451.

Abstract

A two-phase membrane bioreactor was developed to continuously produce enantiopure epoxides using the epoxide hydrolase activity of Rhodotorula glutinis. An aqueous/organic cascade, hydrophilic, hollow-fiber membrane bioreactor was used: (1) to carry out large-scale resolution of epoxides, (2) to continuously extract residual enantiopure epoxides from the aqueous phase, and (3) to separate inhibitory formed diol from the yeast cells contained in the aqueous phase. Dodecane was employed to dissolve-feed epoxide as well as to extract residual epoxide. 1,2-Epoxyhexane was used as a model substrate. By use of this membrane bioreactor, enantiopure (S)-1,2-epoxyhexane (>98% enantiomeric excess) was obtained with a volumetric productivity of 3.8 g l(-1) h(-1). The continuous-production system was operated for 12 days and resulted in 38 g enantiopure (S)-1,2-epoxyhexane.

MeSH terms

  • Alkanes
  • Bioreactors*
  • Epoxide Hydrolases / metabolism*
  • Epoxy Compounds / metabolism*
  • Rhodotorula / enzymology*
  • Solvents
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • Epoxy Compounds
  • Solvents
  • n-dodecane
  • 1,2-epoxyhexane
  • Epoxide Hydrolases