Continuous flow synthesis of chiral amines in organic solvents: immobilization of E. coli cells containing both ω-transaminase and PLP

Org Lett. 2014 Dec 5;16(23):6092-5. doi: 10.1021/ol502712v. Epub 2014 Nov 13.

Abstract

E. coli cells containing overexpressed (R)-selective ω-transaminase and the cofactor PLP were immobilized on methacrylate beads suitable for continuous flow applications. The use of an organic solvent suppresses leaching of PLP from the cells; no additional cofactor was required after setting up the packed-bed reactor containing the biocatalyst (ω-TA-PLP). Non-natural ketone substrates were transformed in flow with excellent enantioselectivity (>99% ee). Features of this novel system include high-throughput (30-60 min residence time), clean production (no quench, workup, or purification required), high enzyme stability (the packed-bed reactor can be continuously operated for 1-10 days), and excellent mass recovery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amines / chemical synthesis*
  • Amines / chemistry
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism*
  • Ketones
  • Kinetics
  • Molecular Structure
  • Pyridoxal Phosphate / metabolism*
  • Solvents
  • Transaminases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Amines
  • Ketones
  • Solvents
  • Pyridoxal Phosphate
  • Transaminases