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Biotransformation of nitriles by rhodococci
1Research School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK. A.W.Bunch@ukc.ac.uk
Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek
|March 9, 1999
Summary
Rhodococci bacteria efficiently convert nitriles into amides or acids using nitrile hydratases and nitrilases. These biotransformations are valuable for industrial organic synthesis, with optimized conditions enhancing activity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Rhodococci exhibit diverse biotransformation capabilities.
- Nitrile conversion to amides/acids is a key biotechnological application.
- Previous studies focused on simple aliphatic nitriles and enzyme properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the biotransformation of nitriles by Rhodococci.
- To explore the synthetic utility of rhodococcal nitrile-converting enzymes.
- To understand factors influencing maximal nitrile conversion.
Main Methods:
- Investigated regio- and stereoselective properties of enzymes.
- Conducted physiological studies on growth medium and bioreactor conditions.
- Identified and sequenced genes for nitrile-hydrolyzing enzymes.
- Determined the crystal structure of a nitrile hydratase.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated significant synthetic utility of rhodococcal nitrile biotransforming enzymes.
- Achieved remarkable biotransformation activities, enabling commercial synthesis (e.g., acrylamide).
- Identified nitrile hydratases (amide synthesis) and nitrilases (carboxylic acid synthesis).
- Found multiple forms of these enzymes in many Rhodococci, induced by nitrogen compounds.
- Crystal structure revealed enzyme-activity and selectivity relationships.
Conclusions:
- Rhodococcal nitrile biotransformations are highly versatile and industrially relevant.
- Optimized growth and bioreactor conditions are crucial for maximizing enzyme activity.
- Understanding enzyme structure and gene regulation is key to harnessing these biocatalysts.