Efficient asymmetric biosynthesis of (R)-(−)-epinephrine in hydrophilic ionic liquid-containing systems

Abstract

The strain Acinetobacter sp. UN-16 with adrenaline dehydrogenase could catalyze adrenalone to (R)-(−)-epinephrine. For the asymmetric biosynthesis of (R)-(−)-epinephrine with whole cells of Acinetobacter sp. UN-16, ten different hydrophilic ionic liquids were successfully tested. The diverse water–ionic liquid systems showed significant but different influences on the initial reaction rate, yield, and reduction activity. Of all the tested ionic liquids, [HOOCEMIM]NO₃ showed good biocompatibility, moderately increased cell membrane permeability, markedly improved reaction efficiency and best biotransformation results.