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Published on: February 16, 2018
Multi-Enzymatic Cascade for Efficient Deracemization of dl-Pantolactone into d-Pantolactone
Lijun Jin1, Xun Liu1, Tairan Wang1
1Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
A novel three-enzyme cascade efficiently deracemizes dl-pantolactone into d-pantolactone, a key vitamin B5 precursor. This greener method achieves high optical purity using whole-cell biocatalysis.
Area of Science:
- Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering
- Chemical Synthesis
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- D-pantolactone is a vital intermediate for synthesizing d-pantothenic acid (vitamin B5).
- Current commercial synthesis relies on kinetic resolution, which is less efficient.
- Deracemization offers a simpler, greener, and more sustainable route to high-purity d-pantolactone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient three-enzyme cascade for the deracemization of dl-pantolactone.
- To utilize whole-cell biocatalysis for improved sustainability and simplicity.
- To achieve high optical purity and productivity of d-pantolactone.
Main Methods:
- Co-expression of three enzymes: l-pantolactone dehydrogenase (AmeLPLDH), conjugated polyketone reductase (ZpaCPR), and glucose dehydrogenase (BsGDH) in E. coli.
- Development of a three-enzyme cascade for sequential catalysis: l-pantolactone to ketopantolactone, then ketopantolactone to d-pantolactone.
- In situ coenzyme regeneration using glucose dehydrogenase and glucose within the whole-cell biocatalyst.
Main Results:
- An efficient three-enzyme cascade was successfully developed for dl-pantolactone deracemization.
- The whole-cell biocatalyst achieved a high enantiomeric excess (e.e.p) of 98.6% for d-pantolactone.
- Optimized conditions yielded a productivity of 107.7 g/(l·d) after 36 hours of deracemization.
Conclusions:
- The developed three-enzyme cascade represents a significant advancement in the sustainable production of d-pantolactone.
- Whole-cell biocatalysis using co-expressed enzymes offers a practical and efficient approach for industrial applications.
- This method provides a greener alternative to traditional synthesis, yielding high-purity d-pantolactone.
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