Enantioselective oxidation of (±)-2-phenyl-1-propanol to (S)-2-phenyl-1-propionic acid with Acetobacter aceti: influence of medium engineering and immobilization

The enantioselective oxidation of (RS)-2-phenyl-1-propanol to (S)-2-phenylpropionic acid catalysed by Acetobacter aceti occurred under very mild conditions. The rate, substrate tolerance and enantioselectivity (enantiomeric ratio, E >200) can be increased dramatically simply by adding cyclodextrins to the reaction medium. Cells immobilized in calcium alginate showed good operational stability and good enantioselectivity (e.e. 94%); the catalyst can be re-used at least five times without e.e. diminution.