Abstract: A method for producing a microbial polyester by culturing a microorganism being capable of producing a poly hydroxyalkanoate polyester in a culture medium containing 1-hexene as a sole carbon source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a chiral ester and more particularly, the method for preparing an optically pure chiral ester from an alkenyl ester at a high yield by mixing and reacting: an alkenyl ester; a ruthenium complex to activate reduction reaction of said alkenyl ester and racemization; a lipase to acylate selectively one of enantiomers of said alkenyl ester; and a reducing agent to supply a hydride to said ruthenium complex. Said optically pure chiral ester of the present invention can be prepared by one-step synthesis from various types of alkenyl esters at a high yield.

Abstract: An isolated esterase gene coding for an esterase capable of causing asymmetric hydrolysis of an organic carboxylic acid ester of a cyclopentenolone of formula I: wherein R1 is hydrogen or methyl, and R2 is C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C1-C4 haloalkyl, a C5-C9 aliphatic hydrocarbon moiety which may be optionally protected on the terminal hydroxyl group thereof, or a C5-C9 fatty acid residue which may be optionally protected on the terminal carboxyl group thereof, to produce the cyclopentenolone of formula I in (R)-form, and hybridizing to the base sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, is useful for the industrially favorable production of optically active cyclopentenolones of formula I which serve as the intermediates of drugs, agricultural chemicals or other active products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for resolving racemates of alkoxy-substituted primary amines by reacting with an ester in the presence of a lipase and subsequently separating the optically active amide which is formed from the unreacted optically active amine. This is followed where appropriate by hydrolysis of the optically active amide, separation of the optically active amine produced thereby from the acid from which the ester is derived, racemization and recycling of the unwanted enantiomer of the amine, and esterification and recycling of the acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the stereoselective preparation of cyclohexylcyanohydrins by reaction of 4-substituted cyclohexanones with a cyanide source in the presence of an oxynitrilase.

Abstract: L-amino acid oxidases (L-AAO) from Rhodococcus species and nucleic acids, vectors and microorganisms expressing such L-AAOs. L-AAOs may be used to selectively transform the L-portion of a racemic mixture of an amino acid into keto acid, and thus purify the corresponding D-amino acid.

Abstract: An enzyme is immobilized on a solid support and can react selectively with one enantiomer in an enantiomeric mixture. A methods of using the enzyme immobilized solid support in conjunct with a separating means to separate enantiomeric mixtures is described. An apparatus for separating an enantiomeric mixture using an enzyme immobilized on a solid support is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for optically resolving a racemic &agr;-substituted heterocyclic carboxylic acid (&agr;-HCCA) by taking advantage of enantioselectivity of enzymes. &agr;-HCCA is reacted with alcohol to give a racemic &agr;-HCCA ester, which is then reacted with an enzyme with enantioselectivity, whereby either R-form or S-form of the racemate is hydrolyzed. Extraction with an organic solvent can obtain enantiomers of the &agr;-HCCA ester. The extracted enantiomeric &agr;-HCCA ester is converted to enantiomeric &agr;-HCCA by catalytic hydrogenation in an organic solution or by enzymatic hydrolysis in an aqueous solution. Thus, a racemic mixture of &agr;-HCCA can be optically resolved with high optical purity at high yields as well as at low cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial processes for carrying out the asymmetric reduction of a ketone to an alcohol, which comprises: contacting the ketone with a microorganism, or an enzyme reduction system capable of accomplishing the subject reduction comprising an enzyme derived from said microorganism and a co-factor for said enzyme, and incubating the resulting mixture under conditions sufficient to yield more of the desired (R)-enantiomer of the corresponding alcohol than the undesired (S)-enantiomer. The chiral (R)-enantiomer can be used in the synthesis of certain &bgr;-adrenergic receptor agonists.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of an aminoalcohol of the formula racemically or optically active, starting from 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one, its further conversion to give the corresponding acyl derivative and its further conversion to (1S,4R)— or (1R,4S)-4-(2-amino-6-chloro-9-H-purine-9-yl)-2-cyclopentenyl-1-methanol of the formulae In the latter synthesis, the aminoalcohol is converted into the corresponding D- or L-tartrate, which is then reacted with N-(2-amino-4,6-dichloropyrimidin-5-yl)formamide of the formula to give (1S,4R)— or (1R,4S)-4-[(2-amino-6-chloro-5-formamido-4-pyrimidinyl)amino]-2-cyclopentenyl-1-methanol of the formulae and then cyclized to give the end compounds.

Abstract: A process for making (4R, 6R)-4-hydroxy-2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanone by contacting (6R)-2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanedione with a microorganism which is selected from microorganisms of the genera Cellulomonas, Corynebacterium, Planococcus and Arthrobacter and which is capable of the selective asymmetric reduction of (6R)-2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanedione to (4R, 6R)-4-hydroxy-2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanone, and recovering the resulting (4R, 6R)-4-hydroxy-2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanone from the reaction mixture. The selective asymmetric reduction can be effected in the presence of a co-factor, such as, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), or said co-factor with glucose and glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), and/or in the presence of a surfactant. The product is useful for the synthesis of carotenoids, such as, zeaxanthin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing an R- or S-forms of &agr;-substituted heterocyclic carboxylic acid (&agr;-HCCA) and a counter enantiomeric form of &agr;-substituted heterocyclic carboxylic acid ester thereto by use of an enzyme. A racemic &agr;-HCCA is reacted with alcohol to give a racemic &agr;-HCCA ester, which is then brought into contact with an enzyme with enantioselectivity, whereby either R-form or S-form of the racemate is hydrolyzed. Extraction with an organic solvent can obtain enantiomers of the &agr;-HCCA ester. Thus, a certain enantiomeric form of &agr;-HCCA and a counter enantiomeric form of &agr;-HCCA ester thereto, respectively can be prepared with high optical purity at high yields as well as at low cost.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (1) comprises reacting compounds of formulae (2) and (3) in the presence of an enzyme, wherein A is a thiol-protecting group, B, C and D are each the same or different organic groups of up to 30 C atoms, optionally functionalized at any position, provided that neither a primary amine nor a primary amide is present, and X is a group that can be displaced by NH2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of D-asparagine derivatives of formula I wherein R1 is an amino protecting group and R2 is an alkyl, a substituted alkyl or a group of formula A R3(OCH2CH2)n—  A wherein R3 is hydrogen or an lower alkyl group and n is 1, 2 or 3, which process comprises reacting a compound of formula II wherein R1 and R2 are as defined above, with a protease in an aqueous solution at a pH of 6.0-7.5 and an organic solvent, and subsequently extracting the enantiomeric pure product of formula I. Compounds of formula I can be used as intermediates in the production of antibacterial substances.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing N-substituted azetidine-2-carboxylic acid of the formula I: wherein R1 denotes an aralkyl group or an arylated lower alkoxycarbonyl group and * designates an asymmetric carbon atom, which is characterized by: reacting an N-substituted azetidine-2-carboxylic acid ester of the formula II: wherein R1 has the same meaning as defined above and R2 denotes an alkyl group, an aralkyl group or an allyl group, with an enzyme capable of selectively hydrolyzing a stereoisomer based on the carbon atom of the 2-position of the azetidine ring.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing an S-enantiomer compound having the formula in enantiomeric excess, or an R-enantiomer compound having the formula in enantiomeric excess, said process comprising hydrolyzing a compound having the formula with: (a) an enzyme capable of producing an enantiomeric excess of the S-enantiomer compound of formula (IA) of at least 70%, or (b) an enzyme capable of producing an enantiomeric excess of the R-enantiomer compound of formula (IB) of at least 70%, wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, or cycloalkylalkyl.

Abstract: A process for preparing an optically active 4-halogeno-1,3-butanediol and (R)-1,2,4-butanetriol or (S)-3-hydroxy-&ggr;-butyrolactone which comprises reacting a racemic 4-halogeno-1,3-butanediol with a specific microorganism belonging to the genus Pseudomonas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the enantioselective reduction of 3,5-dioxocarboxylic acid derivatives and their syntheses. According to the invention, compounds of formula (4) are reacted with an alcohol dehydrogenase which preferably stems from Lactobacillus brevis and which is recombinantly over-expressed in Escherichia coli, in the presence of NADPH. The keto group in position 5 is enantioselectively reduced during this reaction. The keto group in position 3 can also be specifically syn- or anti-reduced in a further step by means of chemical or enzymatic reactions.

Abstract: A process for preparation of optically active 4-halogeno-3-hydoxybutyronitrile and 4-halogeno-3-alkanoyloxybutyronitrile, which are simply and economically prepared by reacting a racemic 4-halogeno-3-alkanoyloxybutyronitrile with a microorganism such as a strain of the genus Pseudomonas or the genus Enterobacter, which has the activity stereoselectively hydrolyzing the ester portion, its culture broth or an enzyme(s) derived from the microorganism or an enzyme preparation such as a lipase preparation.

Abstract: Process for preparing optically (S) and (R) active amines of the formula (I*) comprising reacting racemic amines corresponding to formula (I*) with esters of the formula: in the presence of lipase from Candida antarctica, and separating the (S)-amine directly from the resulting mixture, and separating the (R)-amine indirectly from the resulting mixture by reacting the acylated (R)-amine therein, which has the formula: with acid or base, wherein all the formula above, the variables are as defined herein. Certain precursors of the formula (III) are also disclosed.

Abstract: An isolated microorganism capable of selectively degrading epichlorohydrin or related halopropanol compounds is described. The microorganism is a representative of Agrobacterium spp and comprises a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having enantioselective epoxide hydrolase activity.

Abstract: This invention provides processes for preparing intermediates useful for the preparation of cryptophycin compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the stereoselective enzymatic reduction of 1-halo-2-oxo-3-(protected)amino-4-substituted-butanes utilizing certain species of Rhodococcus and Brevibacterium. The product 1-halo-2-hydroxy-3-(protected)amino-4-substituted-butanes, which are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of compounds that are inhibitors of ACE, renin and HIV proteases, are obtained in high yield and, particularly, in very high diastereomeric purity. The process is advantageously highly selective for the 1S,2S enantiomer of the product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of (1R,4S)- or (1S,4R)-1-amino-4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-cyclopentene of the formulae and/or of (1S,4R)- or (1R,4S)-amino alcohol derivatives of the general formulae and to novel microorganisms which are able to utilize a cyclopentene derivative of the general formula as sole nitrogen source, as sole carbon source or as sole carbon and nitrogen source. The invention further relates to enzyme extracts and enzymes having N-acetylamino-alcohol hydrolase activity obtainable from these microorganisms.

Abstract: A process for stereoselectively inverting a chiral center of a chemical compound is disclosed. The process first consists of forming a mixture of the chemical comopund, an enzymatic system, and a metal catalyst. Next, the process stereoselectively dehydrogenates a group attached to the chiral center with the enzymatic system in the presence of an oxidant to produce a dehydrogenated group, Lastly, the process hydrogenates the dehydrogenated group with the metal catalyst in the presence of a hydrogen source to stereoselectively invert the chiral center of the chemical compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of stereoisomeric carboxylic acid esters consisting of an acid and of an alcohol component each having at least one chiral center, at least one stereoisomer of the carboxylic acid ester being present in an excess, by reacting a racemic carboxylic acid ester with a racemic alcohol in the presence of a carboxyl ester hydrolase (EC 3.1.1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a carboxylic acid isomer B represented by the general formula (2): (wherein, L is a C6 to C14 aryl group which may optionally been substituted, C4 to C12 heteroaryl group which may optionally been substituted, C6 to C14 aryloxy group which may optionally been substituted or C4 to C12 heteroaryloxy group which may optionally been substituted, and M is an C1 to C3 alkyl group.), which comprises: allowing a carboxylic acid isomer A represented by the general formula (1):  (wherein, L and M have meanings as defined above.) to contact with a microbiological material having an ability to convert the carboxylic acid isomer A(1) into the carboxylic acid isomer B(2), and the like. According to the present invention, the carboxylic acid isomer B(2) useful as an intermediate of medicines, agricultural chemicals and like can be produced efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of enantiomerically enriched N-derivatized (1R,4S)-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-ones by use of an enzyme.

Abstract: An enantioselective process for the preparation of the (S)-enantiomer of an optically active cyanohydrin by reaction of an aldehyde or of a ketone with a cyanide group donor, in which the aldehyde or the ketone is reacted with a cyanide group donor in an organic diluent in the presence of a recombinant (S)-hydroxynitrile lyase from Hevea brasiliensis and the (S)-cyanohydrin formed is isolated from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method of separating enantiomeric lactam esters. The lactam esters are contacted with a biocatalyst, such as an enzyme or a microorganism, in a solution wherein only one enantiomer is selectively hydrolyzed to give the optically active isomer of the corresponding acid. The hydrolysis product is then separated from the unreacted lactam esters. The enzyme is then recycled for reuse in the next enzymatic resolution. The undesired isomer is also racemized and reused in the next enzymatic resolution.

Abstract: Polymer particles are formed containing molecular memory recognition sites and magnetically susceptible components. The particles are prepared by co-polymerizing one or more monomers and a cross-linking agent in the presence of at least one imprint molecule and at least one magnetically susceptible component such as iron oxide or nickel oxide, and removing the imprint molecule to form molecular memory recognition sites. The particles are also prepared by co-polymerizing the monomer and cross-linking agent in the presence of the imprint molecule to produce particles, removing the imprint molecule and associating magnetically susceptible components with the particles. The particles may also be prepared containing selective adsorbents such as cells or antibodies. The particles are used for selective adsorption of a product such as separating and resolving two different enantiomeric forms due to one of the forms adsorbing to a memory recognition site created by using the form as an imprint molecule.

Abstract: A method of producing an optically active N-methylamino acid of the general formula (2): 1

Abstract: Optically active chroman-3-acetic acids and optically active chroman-3-acetic acid esters can be obtained by treating a mixture of (3R)- and (3S)-chroman-3-acetic esters of formula (I) [wherein R1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms and R2 is a hydrogen atom or substituted or unsubstituted amino group] is treated with an esterase which has an optically selective hydrolyzing activity or microorganisms which carry said hydrolase, or a preparation therefrom. A novel esterase derived from bacteria of genus Pseudonocardia can also be used as said esterase.

Abstract: Three monoclonal aldolase antibodies, generated against a &bgr;-diketone hapten by reactive immunization, catalyzed rapid and highly enantioselective retro-aldol reactions providing ent-9a-k by kinetic resolution. Compounds 9a, 9g and 9k were resolved in multi-gram quantities using 0.005-0.0004 mol % antibody catalyst. Enantiomerically pure starting materials, 9a-k, are useful synthons for the construction of epothilones A-E (2-6) and their analogs including 13-alkyl derivatives. Previously, the use of compound 9a as a synthon was reported in the preparation of epothilones A-D, 2-5. To further expand this synthon-based strategy, syntheses of epothilone E, 6, 13-methyl epothilone C, 7, and their trans-isomers have been achieved starting from enantiomerically pure thiazole aldols 9g and 9a, respectively, prepared by large-scale antibody catalyzed resolutions.

Abstract: A process for stereospecifically hydrolysing a mixture of the (+) and (−) isomers of a compound of formula (II), in which R is C1-6 alkyl; using a carboxyl esterase enzyme, (I) to form a compound of formula (IIIA), and thereafter separating the resulting compound of formula (IIIA) from the remaining (−) isomer of formula (II); or (ii) to form a compound of formula (IIIB) and thereafter separating the resulting compound of formula (IIIB) from the remaining (+) isomer of formula (II).

Abstract: Nine efficient aldolase antibodies were generated using hapten 2. This hapten combines, in a single molecule, structural components employed for reactive immunization with structural components employed for forming a transition state analog of the aldol reaction. Characterization of two of these antibodies reveals that they are highly proficient (up to 1000-fold better than any other antibody catalyst) and enantioselective catalysts for aldol and retro-aldol reactions and exhibit enantio- and diastereo-selectivities opposite that of antibody 38C2.

Abstract: A method is described for the preparation of optically active hydroxamic acids of the general formula wherein R1, R2 and R3 are different and are a cyclic or linear, aliphatic or aromatic, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon radical which can optionally contain heteroatoms, said method being characterized in that a racemate of chiral amides, carboxylic acid esters or carboxylic acids of the general formula wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined above and X is —NH2, —OR or —OH, R being any organic radical, is reacted with hydroxylamine, NH2OH, in the presence of an acyltransferase, and the optically active hydroxamic acid (I) formed is then separated from the unconverted enantiomer of general formula (II). The resulting optically active hydroxamic acid can be converted to the corresponding optically active primary amines by a Lossen rearrangement.

Abstract: Gel immobilized enzymes are prepared for use in carrying out reactions in hydrophobic solvents. The gel is formed from a gelatinizer such as gelatin or a polysaccharide such as agarose, agar, pectin, sodium alginate or carrageenan. The gel contains a ratio of amount of gelatinizer to amount of water such that the gel is capable of being mechanically divisible into dimensionally substantially stable fragments at a temperature which may reach a lower limit of the gelation temperature range of the gelatinizer. A preferred gel contains 30 to 50% gelatin, and is prepared by forming a mixture of water, enzyme and water-soluble gelatin, heating the mixture to dissolve the gelatin to form a solution, and cooling the solution until it forms a gel.

Abstract: A method of separating enantiomeric lactam esters. The lactam esters are contacted with a biocatalyst, such as an enzyme or a microorganism, in a solution wherein only one enantiomer is selectively hydrolyzed to give the optically active isomer of the corresponding acid. The hydrolysis product is then separated from the unreacted lactam esters. The enzyme is then recycled for reuse in the next enzymatic resolution. The undesired isomer is also racemized and reused in the next enzymatic resolution.

Abstract: An enantiomeric-resolving process for obtaining (1R,2S)-1-amino-2-vinylcyclopropyl carboxylic acid methyl ester by use of an esterase, and especially Alcalase®, is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing &agr;-amino acid from starting material comprising &agr;-amino amide enantiomers (A) and (B) is such that enantiomer (A) is converted preferentially over enantiomer (B) so that a time independent excess of at least 90%, preferably at least 98% is given. The reaction is catalyzed by an amidase which may in particular be produced by specific Rhodococcus species.

Abstract: A propargylic alcohol, enriched in the (R)-enantiomer, has the formula 1

Abstract: Intermediate compounds, including 2-(t-butyldimethylsilyloxymethyl)-3,4-[(dimethylmethylene)dioxy]-5-hydroxy-tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]dec-8-ene, which are useful for the synthesis of neplanocin A having strong antitumor activity. Improved processes for the preparation of neplanocin A, starting from optically active 2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxy-tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]deca-3,8-diene and via a key step comprising a retro-Diels-Alder reaction of the above intermediate.

Abstract: An enzymatic process for preparing amides of Formula I wherein X, E and * have the meanings defined in the specification. Chiral intermediates useful for preparing compound of Formula I and enzymatic processes for preparing such chiral intermediates are also described.

Abstract: Optically active 2-substituted tetrahydropyran-4-ols or esters thereof may be prepared using esterases or hydrolases from the corresponding racemic mixtures of esters or alcohols. This provides a route to the corresponding optically active ketones. The racemic mixtures are preferably in the cis-form. such mixtures may be produced by-reacting but-3-ene-1-ol with an aldehyde in the presence of an acid.

Abstract: A process for preparing enantiomerically pure alcohols of the formula I (Ia or Ib) where the substituents have the following meanings: R1 hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy or C1-C6-alkanoyl, R2 and R3 independently of one another hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C6-alkanoyl, C1-C6-alkylthio, C1-C6-alkylsulfinyl or C1-C6-alkylsulfonyl, R4 substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6-alkyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, which comprises reducing compounds of the formula II where the substituents R1 to R4 have the abovementioned meanings  in aqueous solution in the presence of a carbon source and of a microorganism or of a reducing agent, of a cofactor and of an enzyme, to compounds of the formula I.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for the use of a novel organism belonging to the genus Trichosporon sp. as whole wet or dry cell culture or cell free extract or crude enzyme or pure isolated enzyme The strain of Trichosporon sp. used in the process is designated as RRLY-15 and has been deposited in Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellekulturen GmbH (DSMZ). The invention also discloses the preparation of S(+)-6-methoxy-2-naphthalene acetic acid (naproxen) of formula (2) through enantioselective hydrolysis of a racemic mixture of alkyl esters of (±)-6-methoxy-&agr;-methyl-2-naphthalene acetic acid of formula (1) where R represents —CH3,—C2H5,—C3H7,—C4H9 and the like and S(+)- Naproxen is a medicinally important non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Abstract: A process for preparing enantiomerically pure esters of the formula I (Ia and Ib) where the substituents have the following meanings: R1 hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy or Cl-C6-alkanoyl, R2 and R3 independently of one another hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C6-alkanoyl, C1-C6-alkylthio, C1-C6-alkylsulfinyl or C1-C6-alkylsulfonyl, R4 and R5 R4≠R5 and independently of one another hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6-alkyl or R4 and R5 form together with the carbon atoms to which they are bonded a substituted or unsubstituted C3-C6-cycloalkylidene, R6 substituted or unsubstituted aryl, C1-C20-alkyl, C3-C20-alkenyl, C3-C20-alkynyl, C1-C20-alkoxy-C1-C20-alkyl comprises converting racemic compounds of the formula II, where the substituents R1 to R5 have the abovementioned meanings, with a lipase or esterase in the presence of vinyl esters of the formula III, wher

Abstract: The invention belongs to the field of biotechnology. It concerns a biocatalyst, i.e. a dead or living microorganism or a polypeptide, preferably in isolated form, which exhibits acylase enzymatic activity without lipase- or esterase-activity. The biocatalyst is capable of stereoselectively hydrolysing a racemic acylamide which has an aliphatic acyl residue and which is not a derivative of a natural amino acid.

Abstract: A novel enzyme is provided. This enzyme is capable of reducing 4-haloacetoacetic acid esters to produce (S)-4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid esters with high optical purity. The enzyme was isolated from a microorganism belonging to the genus Kluyveromyces. Using the enzyme, (S)-4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid esters, which are useful as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, intermediates for synthesizing various medicines and agricultural chemicals, can be efficiently produced with high optical purity.