Biosynthesis and Biotechnology of High-Value p-Menthane Monoterpenes, Including Menthol, Carvone, and Limonene

Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol. 2015:148:319-53. doi: 10.1007/10_2014_289.

Abstract

Monoterpenes of the p-menthane group are volatile secondary (or specialized) metabolites found across the plant kingdom. They are dominant constituents of commercially important essential oils obtained from members of the genera Mentha (Lamiaceae), Carum (Apiaceae), Citrus (Rutaceae), and Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae). p-Menthane monoterpenes have also attracted interest as chiral specialty chemicals, and the harvest from natural sources is therefore supplemented by chemical synthesis. More recently, microbial and plant-based platforms for the high-level accumulation of specific target monoterpenes have been developed. In this review chapter, I discuss the properties of the genes and enzymes involved in p-menthane biosynthesis and provide a critical assessment of biotechnological production approaches.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / methods*
  • Cyclohexane Monoterpenes
  • Cyclohexenes / chemistry*
  • Drug Design
  • Industrial Microbiology / methods
  • Limonene
  • Menthol / chemistry*
  • Monoterpenes / chemistry*
  • Oils, Volatile / chemistry
  • Plants / metabolism
  • Terpenes / chemistry*

Substances

  • Cyclohexane Monoterpenes
  • Cyclohexenes
  • Monoterpenes
  • Oils, Volatile
  • Terpenes
  • Menthol
  • carvone
  • Limonene