Solvent-Enhanced Biotransformations of Chemicals by Beauveria Bassiana As Biocatalyst

This research evaluates the oxidative capacity of n-alkane-induced fungal Beauveria bassiana; a versatile whole cell biocatalyst used in the biotransformation of steroids, and in the production of valuable organic compounds. n-alkane solvents like dodecane, and hexadecane serve as carbon sources during growth of B. bassiana, inducing the expression of oxidative enzymes, and affecting the growth rate. n-Piperidinylacetophenone is a classic substrate used for the hydroxylation of an unfunctionalized carbon; an attractive reaction that results in  valuable intermediates for specialty chemical synthesis.  As well, steroid 7-alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (NS) is hydrolylated to 7-alpha-12 alpha-dihydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, to provide metabolites of interest for medical purposes. Our research targets the hydroxylated products of these chemicals. Reactions with n-alkane adapted strains (ATCC 90517, ATCC 90518, ATCC 7159) on a resting cell environment; were grown in media containing different nitrogen sources  (Corn Step Liquor, Soybean flour, peptone, and ammonium nitrate). 1H-NMR, and HPLC were used to characterize, and isolate the biotransformation products. Results include biotransformation selectivity, reaction yield, n-alkane effect analysis in biocatalyst performance, and correlations between biomass and reaction yields.