Asymmetric reduction of acetophenone with calcium-alginate-entrapped Baker's yeast in organic solvents
Baker's yeast cells entrapped in alginate beads are shown to catalyze reactions in organic solvents when a cofactor regeneration scheme is implemented. This study focused on the reduction of acetophenone to 1-phenylethanol, using baker's yeast as well as a cosubstrate to regenerate the cofactor. The product is a chiral alcohol, and it was desired to maintain a high enantiomeric excess. The effects of parameters such as the addition of a cosubstrate, water content, fermentation time, buffer pH, and bead diameter have been investigated. Such a general process may be quite useful when single enantiomers are needed, as well as for the production of other chemicals.
Griffin
DR
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903-2442, USA.
Yang
F
Carta
G
Gainer
JL