Microbial synthesis of 3-deoxy-D-erythro-hex-2-ulosonic acid 6-phosphate

A microbial route was explored for the synthesis of 3-deoxy-D-erythro-hex-2-ulosonic acid 6-phosphate (2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate, KDPG). Two strains of bacteria, Alcaligenes eutrophus H16 F34 (DSM 529) and Escherichia coli DF 71 (CGSC 4880), lacking in KDPG-aldolase activity were tested for excretion of KDPG. Using pyruvate and gluconate as carbon sources, Alcaligenes eutrophus H16 F34 accumulated and excreted 3-deoxy-D-erythro-hexulosonic acid 6-phosphate into the culture broth, while the E. coli strain, using pyruvate and glucuronate, failed. KDPG was isolated from the culture supernatant of Alcaligenes eutrophus H16 F34 in 78% yield and 5 g scale with respect to the consumed gluconate.