Correlation between the physicochemical properties of organic solvents and their biocompatibility toward epoxide hydrolase activity in whole-cells of a yeast, Rhodotorula sp.
Epoxides are often highly hydrophobic substrates and the presence of an organic co-solvent within an aqueous bioreactor is in such cases indicated. The effect of 40 water-miscible and -immiscible organic solvents on epoxide hydrolase activity in whole-cells of the yeast Rhodotorula sp. UOFS Y-0448 was investigated. No formal correlation between solvent biocompatibility and physicochemical properties was deductible, although the introduction of hydroxyl groups increased biocompatibility. 1-Pentanol, 2-methylcyclohexanol and 1-octanol were the most biocompatible resulting in relatively low activity losses when used at up to 20% (v/v).
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520 Potchefstroom, South Africa. JLotter2@csir.co.z
Jeanette
J
Lotter
Adriana L
AL
Botes
Martha S
MS
Van Dyk
Jaco C
JC
Breytenbach
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D019149:Bioreactors / Q000382:microbiology; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D004851:Epoxide Hydrolases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008422:Materials Testing; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012248:Rhodotorula / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology*; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013379:Substrate Specificity; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D012997:Solvents; D014867:Water; D004851:Epoxide Hydrolases