Biotransformation of methylphenylacetonitriles by Brazilian marine fungal strain Aspergillus sydowii CBMAI 934: eco-friendly reactions

Mar Biotechnol (NY). 2014 Apr;16(2):156-60. doi: 10.1007/s10126-013-9534-z. Epub 2013 Sep 22.

Abstract

This study reports the biotransformation of methylphenylacetonitriles by Brazilian marine filamentous fungus Aspergillus sydowii CBMAI 934 under eco-friendly reaction conditions. The phenylacetonitrile 1, 2-methylphenylacetonitrile 2, 3-methylphenylacetonitrile 3, and 4-methylphenylacetonitrile 4 were quantitatively biotransformed into 2-hydroxyphenylacetic 1a, 2-methylphenylacetic acid 2a, 3-methylphenylacetic acid 3a, and 4-methylphenylacetic acid 4a by enzymatic processes using whole cell as biocatalyst. The marine fungus A. sydowii CBMAI 934 is thus a promising biocatalyst for the preparation of important carboxylic acids under mild conditions (pH 7.5 and 32 °C) from nitrile compounds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetonitriles / metabolism*
  • Aspergillus / classification*
  • Aspergillus / metabolism*
  • Biotransformation
  • Brazil
  • Carboxylic Acids / isolation & purification*
  • Carboxylic Acids / metabolism*
  • Green Chemistry Technology / methods*
  • Hydrolysis
  • Seawater / microbiology*
  • Species Specificity
  • Water Microbiology

Substances

  • Acetonitriles
  • Carboxylic Acids