U.S. patent application number 09/812308 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-23 for biooxidation capabilities of candida sp.
Invention is credited to Anderson, Kevin W., Biermann, Manfred, Eirich, L. Dudley, Gates, Jeffrey A., Vice, Gilbert H., Wilson, C. Ron.
Application Number | 20020061566 09/812308 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26886274 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020061566 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eirich, L. Dudley ; et
al. |
May 23, 2002 |
Biooxidation capabilities of candida sp
Abstract
A bioprocess for producing carboxylic acids, alcohols and
aldehydes is provided by culturing Candida sp. in a fermentation
medium containing various defined substrates.
Inventors: |
Eirich, L. Dudley; (Milford,
OH) ; Anderson, Kevin W.; (Indian Springs, OH)
; Gates, Jeffrey A.; (West Chester, OH) ; Wilson,
C. Ron; (Loveland, OH) ; Biermann, Manfred;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Vice, Gilbert H.; (Cincinnati,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jeffrey S. Steen
Dilworth & Barrese, LLP
333 Earle Ovington Blvd.
Uniondale
NY
11553
US
|
Family ID: |
26886274 |
Appl. No.: |
09/812308 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60190626 |
Mar 20, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
435/136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12P 7/40 20130101; C12P
7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/136 |
International
Class: |
C12P 007/40 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A process for producing a carboxylic acid comprising culturing
Candida sp. in a fermentation medium containing a substrate of the
formula R(CH.sub.2).sub.nCH.sub.3wherein n is .gtoreq.1 and R is
selected from the group consisting of epoxide, alkoxy, ether,
saturated primary alcohol, cycloalkyl, aryl, diol and diol ester,
whereby at least one terminal methyl group of the substrate is
oxidized to a carboxylic acid.
2. The process of claim 1 wherein the substrate is dissolved in a
solvent prior to contact with the fermentation medium.
3. The process of claim 2 wherein the solvent is an organic
solvent.
4. The process of claim 3 wherein the organic solvent is selected
from the group consisting of ethanol and hexane.
5. The process of claim 3 wherein the organic solvent is
acetone.
6. The process of claim I wherein the Candida sp. is selected from
the group consisting of C. albicans, C. cloacae, C. guillermondii,
C. intermedia, C. lipolytica, C. maltosa, C. parapsilosis, and C.
zeylenoides.
7. The process of claim I wherein the Candida sp. is C.
tropicalis.
8. The process of claim 7 wherein C tropicalis is substantially
.beta.-oxidation pathway blocked.
9. The process of claim 8 wherein C. tropicalis is H5343.
10. The process of claim 8 wherein one or more P450 CYP genes, P450
CPR genes, or a combination thereof is amplified in said C.
tropicalis.
11. The process of claim 1 wherein the substrate is a compound
selected from the group consisting of dodecylvinyl ether, dihexyl
ether, dipentyl ether, 1-dodecanol, 2-hexyldecanol,
2-butyl-1-octanol, 1,2-hexadecanediol, epoxidized soybean oil,
1,2-epoxytetradecane, butylcyclohexane, propylcyclohexane,
ethylcyclohexane, polyethylene glycol 200 monolaurate, polyethylene
glycol 200 dilaurate.
12. A process for producing a carboxylic acid comprising culturing
Candida sp. in a fermentation medium containing a substrate
selected from the group consisting of 12-hydroxystearic acid,
hexadecyl pelargonate, castor oil, hexadecyl acetate, dodecene,
tetradecene, hexadecene, octadecene, trans-2-nonene,
7-trans-tetradecene, 2-heptylundecanoic acid and 2-hexyldecanoic
acid whereby at least one terminal methyl group of the substrate is
oxidized to a carboxylic acid.
13. The process of claim 12 wherein the substrate is dissolved in a
solvent prior to contact with the fermentation medium.
14. The process of claim 12 wherein the Candida sp. is selected
from the group consisting of C. albicans, C. cloacae, C.
guillermondii; C. intermedia, C. lipolytica, C. maltosa, C.
parapsilosis, and C. zeylenoides.
15. The process of claim 12 wherein the Candida sp. is C
tropicalis.
16. A process for producing an alcohol comprising culturing Candida
sp. in a fermentation medium containing a substrate of the formula
R(CH.sub.2).sub.nCH.sub.3, wherein n is .gtoreq.1 and R is selected
from the group consisting of epoxide, alkoxy, ether, saturated
primary alcohol, cycloalkyl, aryl, diol and diol ester, whereby at
least one terminal methyl group of the substrate is oxidized to an
alcohol.
17. The process of claim 16 wherein the substrate is dissolved in a
solvent prior to contact with the fermentation medium.
18. The process of claim 17 wherein the solvent is an organic
solvent.
19. The process of claim 18 wherein the organic solvent is selected
from the group consisting of ethanol and hexane.
20. The process of claim 18 wherein the organic solvent is
acetone.
21. The process of claim 16 wherein the Candida sp. is selected
from the group consisting of C. albicans, C. cloacae, C.
guillermondii, C. intermedia, C. lipolytica, C. maltosa, C.
parapsilosis, and C. zeylenoides.
22. The process of claim 16 wherein the Candida sp. is C.
tropicalis.
23. The process of claim 22 wherein C. tropicalis is substantially
.beta.-oxidation pathway blocked.
24. The process of claim 23 wherein C. tropicalis is H5343.
25. The process of claim 23 wherein one or more P450 CYP genes,
P450 CPR genes, or a combination thereof is amplified in said C.
tropicalis.
26. The process of claim 16 wherein the substrate is a compound
selected from the group consisting of dodecylvinyl ether, dihexyl
ether, dipentyl ether, 1-dodecanol, 2-hexyldecanol,
2-butyl-1-octanol, 1,2-hexadecanediol, epoxidized soybean oil,
1,2-epoxytetradecane, butylcyclohexane, propylcyclohexane,
ethylcyclohexane, polyethylene glycol 200 monolaurate, polyethylene
glycol 200 dilaurate.
27. A process for producing an alcohol comprising culturing Candida
sp. in a fermentation medium containing a substrate selected from
the group consisting of 12-hydroxystearic acid, hexadecyl
pelargonate, castor oil, hexadecyl acetate, dodecene, tetradecene,
hexadecene, octadecene, trans-2-nonene, 7-trans-tetradecene,
2-heptylundecanloic acid and 2-hexyldecanoic acid, whereby at least
one terminal methyl group of the substrate is oxidized to an
alcohol.
28. The process of claim 27 wherein the substrate is dissolved in a
solvent prior to contact with the fermentation medium.
29. The process of claim 27 wherein the Candida sp. is selected
from the group consisting of C. albicans, C. cloacae, C.
guillermondii, C. intermedia, C. lipolytica, C. maltosa, C.
parapsilosis, and C. zeylenoides.
30. The process of claim 27 wherein the Candida sp. is C.
tropicalis.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of earlier filed and copending U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/190,626, filed Mar. 20, 2000, the contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to the use of yeast strains to
modify substrates via biooxidation. More particularly, the present
invention relates to processes for converting certain substrates
into alcohols or carboxylic acids utilizing yeast.
[0004] 2. Background of Related Art
[0005] Aliphatic dioic acids, alcohols and compounds having
combinations of alcohols and acids are versatile chemical
intermediates useful as raw materials for the preparation of
adhesives, fragrances, polyamides, polyesters, and antimicrobials.
While chemical routes for the synthesis of long-chain
.alpha.,.omega.)-dicarboxylic acids are available, the synthesis is
complicated and results in mixtures containing dicarboxylic acids
of shorter chain lengths. As a result, extensive purification steps
are necessary. While it is known that long-chain dioic acids can
also be produced by microbial transformation of alkanes, fatty
acids or esters, chemical synthesis has remained the preferred
route, presumably due to limitations with the previously available
biological approaches.
[0006] Several strains of yeast are known to excrete
.alpha.,.omega.-dicarboxylic acids as a byproduct when cultured on
alkanes or fatty acids. In particular, yeast belonging to the genus
Candida, such as C. albicans, C. cloacae, C. guillermondii, C.
intermedia, C. lipolytica, C. maltosa, C. parapsilosis, and C.
zeylenoides are known to produce such dicarboxylic acids. (Agr.
Biol. Chem. 35, 2033-2042 (1971).) In addition, various strains of
the yeast C. tropicalis are known to produce dicarboxylic acids
ranging in chain lengths from C.sub.11 through C.sub.18 as a
byproduct when cultured on alkanes or fatty acids as the carbon
source (Okino et al., B M Lawrence, B D Mookherjee and B J Willis
(eds.), in Flavors and Fragrances: A World Perspective. Proceedings
of the 10.sup.th International Conference of Essential Oils,
Flavors and Fragrances, Elsevier Science Publishers BV Amsterdam
(1988)), and are the basis of several patents as reviewed by Buhler
and Schindler, in Aliphatic Hydrocarbons in Biotechnology, H. J.
Rehm and G. Reed (eds), Vol. 169, Verlag Chemie, Weinheim
(1984).
[0007] Studies of the biochemical processes by which yeasts
metabolize alkanes and fatty acids have revealed three types of
oxidation reactions: .alpha.-oxidation of alkanes to alcohols;
.omega.-oxidation of fatty acids to .alpha.,.omega.-dicarboxylic
acids; and the degradative .beta.-oxidation of fatty acids to
CO.sub.2 and water. In C. tropicalis the first step in the
.omega.-oxidation pathway is catalyzed by a membrane-bound enzyme
complex (.omega.-hydroxylase complex) including a cytochrome P450
monooxygenase and a NADPH-cytochrome reductase. This hydroxylase
complex is responsible for the primary oxidation of the terminal
methyl group in alkanes and fatty acids (Gilewicz et al., Can. J
Microbiol. 25:201 (1979)). The genes which encode the cytochrome
P450 and NADPH reductase components of the complex have previously
been identified as P450ALK and P450RED respectively, and have also
been cloned and sequenced (Sanglard et al., Gene 76:121-136
(1989)). P450ALK has also been designated P450ALK1. More recently,
ALK genes have been designated by the symbol CYP and RED genes have
been designated by the symbol CPR. See, e.g., Nelson,
Pharmacogenetics 6(1):1-42 (1996), which is incorporated herein by
reference. See also Ohkuma et al., DNA and Cell Biology 14:163-173
(1995), Seghezzi et al., DNA and Cell Biology, 11:767-780 (1992)
and Kargel et al., Yeast 12:333-348 (1996), each incorporated
herein by reference. For example, P450ALK is also designated CYP52
according to the nomenclature of Nelson, supra.
[0008] Cytochromes P450 (P450s) are terminal monooxidases of the
multicomponent enzyme system described above. They comprise a
superfamily of proteins which exist widely in nature having been
isolated from a variety of organisms, e.g., various mammals, fish,
invertebrates, plants, mollusks, crustaceans, lower eukaryotes and
bacteria (Nelson, supra). First discovered in rodent liver
microsomes as a carbon-monoxide binding pigment as described, e.g.,
in Garfinkel, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 77:493-509 (1958), which is
incorporated herein by reference, P450s were later named based on
their absorption at 450 nm in a reduced-CO coupled difference
spectrum as described, e.g., in Omura et al., J Biol. Chem.
239:2370-2378 (1964), which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0009] P450s catalyze the metabolism of a variety of endogenous and
exogenous compounds (Nelson, supra). Endogenous compounds include
steroids, prostanoids, eicosanoids, fat-soluble vitamins, fatty
acids, mammalian alkaloids, leukotrines, biogenic amines and
phytolexins (Nelson, supra). P450 metabolism involves such
reactions as aliphatic hydroxylation, aromatic oxidation, alkene
epoxidation, nitrogen dealkylation, oxidative deamination, oxygen
dealkylation, nitrogen oxidation, oxidative desulfuration,
oxidative dehalogenation, oxidative denitrification, nitro
reduction, azo reduction, tertiary amine N-oxide reduction, arene
oxide reduction and reductive dehalogenation. (P G Wislocki, G T
Miwa and A Y H Lu, Reaction Catalyzed by the Cytochrome P-450
System, Enzymatic Basis of Detoxication, Vol. 1, Academic Press
(1980).) These reactions generally make the compound more water
soluble, which is conducive for excretion, and more electrophilic.
(These electrophilic products have detrimental effects if they
react with DNA or other cellular constituents.) The electrophilic
products can then react through conjugation with low molecular
weight hydrophilic substances resulting in glucoronidation,
sulfation, acetylation, amino acid conjugation or glutathione
conjugation typically leading to inactivation and elimination as
described, e.g., in Klaassen et al., Toxicology, 3.sup.rd ed,
Macmillan, New York, 1986, incorporated herein by reference.
[0010] Fatty acids are ultimately formed from alkanes after two
additional oxidation steps, catalyzed by alcohol oxidase (Kemp et
al., Appl. Microbiol. and Biotechnol, 28, 370-374 (1988)) and
aldehyde dehydrogenase. The, (.omega.-hydroxylase enzymes of the
.omega.-oxidation pathway are located in the endoplasmic reticulum,
while the enzymes catalyzing the last two steps, the fatty alcohol
oxidase and the fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase, are located in the
peroxisomes. The fatty acids can be further oxidized through the
same or similar pathway to the corresponding dicarboxylic acid. The
.omega.-oxidation of fatty acids proceeds via the .omega.-hydroxy
fatty acid and its aldehyde derivative, to the corresponding
dicarboxylic acid without the requirement for CoA activation.
However, both fatty acids and dicarboxylic acids can be degraded,
after activation to the corresponding acyl-CoA ester through the
.beta.-oxidation pathway in the peroxisomes, leading to chain
shortening. In mammalian systems, both fatty acid and dicarboxylic
acid products of .omega.-oxidation are activated to their
CoA-esters at equal rates and are substrates for both mitochondrial
and peroxisomal .beta.-oxidation (J. Biochem., 102, 225-234
(1987)). In yeast, .beta.-oxidation takes place solely in the
peroxisomes (Agr. Biol. Chem., 49, 1821-1828 (1985)).
[0011] Metabolic pathways can be manipulated in an attempt to
increase or decrease the production of various products or
by-products. Knowing that fatty acids possessing one or more
internal double bonds or secondary alcohol functionality are
capable of undergoing .omega.-oxidation, the .omega.-oxidation
pathway can be manipulated to produce greater amounts of
dicarboxylic acids. U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,466, the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method for
producing .alpha.,.omega.-dicarboxylic acids in high yields by
culturing C. tropicalis strains having disrupted chromosomal POX4A,
POX4B and both POX5 genes. The POX4 and POX5 gene disruptions
effectively block the .beta.-oxidation pathway at its first
reaction (which is catalyzed by acyl-CoA oxidase) in a C.
tropicalis host strain. The POX4 and POX5 genes encode distinct
subunits of long chain acyl-CoA oxidase, which are the peroxisomal
polypeptides (PXPs) designated PXP-4 and PXP-5, respectively. The
disruption of these genes results in a complete block of the
.beta.-oxidation pathway thus allowing enhanced yields of
dicarboxylic acid by redirecting the substrate toward the
.omega.-oxidation pathway and also preventing reutilization of the
dicarboxylic acid products through the .beta.-oxidation
pathway.
[0012] Similarly, C. tropicalis may also have one or more
cytochrome P450 genes and/or reductase genes amplified which
results in an increase in the amount of rate-limiting
.omega.-hydroxylase through P450 gene amplification and an increase
in the rate of substrate flow through the .omega.-oxidation
pathway. C. tropicalis strain AR40 is an amplified H 5343 strain
wherein all four POX4 genes and both copies of the chromosomal POX5
genes are disrupted by a URA3 selectable marker and which also
contains 3 additional copies of the cytochrome P450 gene and 2
additional copies of the reductase gene, the P450RED gene. Strain
AR40 has the ATCC accession number ATCC 20987. C. tropicalis strain
R24 is an amplified H 5343 strain in which all four POX4 genes and
both copies of the chromosomal POX5 genes are disrupted by a URA3
selectable marker and which also contains multiple copies of the
reductase gene. Strains AR40 and R24 are described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,620,878 and 5,648,247, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0013] Processes for utilizing modified C. tropicalis to produce
carboxylic acids are also known. U.S. Pat. No. 5,962,285, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference,
discloses a process for making carboxylic acids by fermenting a
.beta.-oxidation blocked C. tropicalis cell in a culture comprised
of a nitrogen source, an organic substrate and a cosubstrate. The
substrate is an unsaturated aliphatic compound having at least one
internal carbon-carbon double bond and at least one terminal methyl
group, a terminal carboxyl group and/or a terminal functional group
which is oxidizable to a carboxyl group. The fermentation product
is then reacted with an oxidizing agent to produce one or more
carboxylic acids.
[0014] Similar shake flask experiments have been used in the past
to test substrates. The terminal methyl group and the terminal
double bond of .alpha.-alkenes or branched monoacids are oxidized
and form alcohol groups or the desired acid groups. The oxidation
of the terminal double bond of .alpha.-olefins to form a
(.omega.,.omega.-1) diol is an interesting reaction. The overall
oxidation product is thus a (.omega.,.omega.-1) hydroxyfatty acid.
The biooxidation of .alpha.-olefins was first reported by Uemura.
(N. Uemura, Industrialization of the Production of Dibasic Acid
from n-Paraffins Using Microorganisms, Hakko to Kogyo, 43:436-44
(1985).).
[0015] While the genetically modified strains of Candida sp. are
able to produce large quantities of product necessary to develop a
commercially feasible process, it is not known what effect
variations of chain length, functional groups, etc. will have on
the ability of C. tropicalis to produce alcohols and carboxylic
acids through the process of biooxidation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] In accordance with the present invention, it has been
determined that in order for terminal methyl groups of organic
substrates to be oxidized by Candida sp., at least one methylene
group must be present between a terminal methyl group and the rest
of the molecule. Accordingly, the inventors have developed a
process by which substrates of varying functionality, chain lengths
and overall structure are oxidized by Candida sp. to alcohols and
carboxylic acids.
[0017] In one embodiment, the substrate is solubilized in an
organic solvent and then biooxidized by Candida sp.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the Candida sp. used in the
bioconversion process has been modified so that its
.beta.-oxidation pathway has been blocked. In another preferred
embodiment, the Candida sp. used in the bioconversion process has
been modified so that its .beta.-oxidation pathway has been blocked
and one or more of its cytochrome P450 genes and/or reductase genes
have been amplified.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] For purposes of the present invention, a carboxylic acid
includes a polycarboxylic acid. Toxicity is the highest
concentration at which a substrate can be added to a culture broth
of Candida sp. without causing undue inhibition of growth,
unacceptable amounts of cell death or undue interference with the
bioconversion process.
[0020] This invention provides a process for introducing hydroxyl,
aldehyde and/or carboxylic acid functionalities into organic
substrates by fermentation with by Candida sp. Examples of suitable
particular Candida sp. useful herein include C. albicans, C.
cloacae, C. guillermondii, C intermedia, C. lipolytica, C. maltosa,
C. parapsilosis, and C. zeylenoides and C. tropicalis. While it is
known that certain alkane and fatty acid substrates with terminal
methyl groups can be oxidized to form alcohols or carboxylic acids
and that fatty acids possessing one or more internal double bonds
or secondary alcohol functionality are capable of undergoing
.omega.-oxidation, the effects of additional functionality, such as
double bonds, alcohol groups, etc. were unknown in the biooxidation
process. According to the present invention, it has been determined
that the overall capability of Candida sp. to perform biochemical
oxidations on a variety of chemical substrates is dependent on the
presence of at least one methylene group between a terminal methyl
group and the rest of a substrate molecule. In the first phase of
this testing, substrates were selected because they contained a
terminal methyl group. In addition, they possessed additional
functionality such as a double bond, alcohol group, etc. Classes of
substrates tested included primary and secondary alcohols,
.alpha.-olefins, ketones, epoxides, alkenes, alkynes, sulfur
compounds, branched-chain fatty acids, Guerbet alcohols, fatty acid
esters, natural oils, and sterols. A second phase of testing was
conducted on additional substrates, including a homologous series
of varying aliphatic chain lengths attached to a cyclohexane ring.
The second series of tests obtained additional information about
the oxidation products using analysis by gas chromatography-mass
spectrometry (GC/MS) in addition to IR and NMR analyses.
[0021] A preferred species of Candida sp. is C. tropicalis.
Although wild-type C. tropicalis may be utilized to convert
substrates, according to the present invention strains in which the
.beta.-oxidation pathway is partially blocked, are preferred. For
example, genetically modified C. tropicalis having chromosomal
POX4A, POX4B and POX5 genes disrupted to block .beta.-oxidation
pathway may be utilized. Examples of strains of C. tropicalis which
are partially .beta.-oxidation blocked include, H41, H41B, H51,
H45, H43, H53, H534, H534B and H435 as described in aforementioned
U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,466. An example of a completely
.beta.-oxidation blocked strain of C. tropicalis wherein all POX4
and POX5 genes are disrupted is H5343 (ATCC 20962) as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,466. The sequence in which the four POX genes
are disrupted is immaterial. When all of these POX genes are
disrupted, they no longer encode the functional acyl-CoA oxidase
isozymes necessary for the .beta.-oxidation pathway. Therefore, the
substrate flow in this strain is redirected to the
.omega.-oxidation pathway as the result of functional inactivation
of the competing .beta.-oxidation pathway by POX gene disruption.
In another preferred embodiment, C. tropicalis strains having one
or more cytochrome P450 genes and/or reductase genes amplified may
be utilized. For example, C. tropicalis strains which have a
greater number of CPR genes than the wild type strain have shown
increased productivity of carboxylic acids as described, e.g., in
aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,878. Specific examples of CPR
genes include the CPRA and CPRB genes of C. tropicalis 20336 as
described, e.g., in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/302/620 and
International Application No. PCT/US99/2097, each incorporated
herein by reference. These strains provide an increase in the
amount of rate-limiting -hydroxylase and an increase in the rate of
substrate flow through the .omega.-oxidation pathway. Preferred
strains of C. tropicalis are H5343 (ATCC Accession No. 20962), AR40
(ATCC No. 20987) and R24. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,620,878 and
5,648,247.
[0022] The genetically .beta.-oxidation blocked strain of C.
tropicalis used in a preferred embodiment has been shown previously
to perform a .omega.-oxidation reaction on the terminal methyl
group of long-chain fatty acids and alkanes. While the preferred
strain of C. tropicalis is a .beta.-oxidation-blocked strain, any
C. tropicalis strain, no matter whether the strain can perform
.beta.-oxidation or not, may be used. A complete or partial block
in .beta.-oxidation only decreases the probability that the
substrates tested or their oxidation products will be degraded, and
increases the likelihood of detecting biooxidation products, if
formed. With some substrates, there is also the possibility that
degradation might occur through pathways other than
.beta.-oxidation. Therefore, some observed loss of starting
material might be due to degradation rather than volatility,
although volatility of substrates is the most likely cause for low
recoveries.
[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the substrate to be
converted is solubilized in a solvent. In a preferred embodiment,
the solvent is an organic solvent such as acetone, ethanol, or
hexane, with acetone being most preferred. The solvent is utilized
in amounts that are not toxic to Candida sp. but still capable of
solubilizing the substrate.
[0024] Substrates themselves should be tested for their toxicity
prior to bioconversion. The data obtained from these experiment is
useful in three ways: 1) it ensures that Candida sp. remain viable
after induction and can adequately perform the biooxidation
process; 2) the volatility of test substrates can be assessed; and
3) knowing the toxicity of a test substrate ensures that the
maximum amount of sample can be added.
[0025] The organic substrate is any organic compound having at
least one terminal methyl group attached to at least one methylene
group. Examples of organic substrates which can be used in the
process according to the invention include but are not limited to
CH.sub.3CH.sub.2-ethers, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2-epoxides,
CH.sub.3CH.sub.2--saturated primary alcohols,
CH.sub.3CH.sub.2-alkoxy, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2-diols and
CH.sub.3-CH.sub.2 diol esters. In addition to the above, the
organic substrate which can be used in the process according to the
invention include but are not limited to
CH.sub.3CH.sub.2-cycloalkyl, CH.sub.3,CH.sub.2-aryl and the
like.
[0026] The fermentation step is preferably carried out in two
stages. In the first stage, a culture medium is inoculated with an
active culture of Candida sp. such as .beta.-oxidation blocked C.
tropicalis strain where a period of rapid exponential growth
occurs. In the second stage, which occurs as the cell growth of the
first stage enters stationary phase, the substrate is added wherein
the biooxidation described herein takes place. Since energy can no
longer be produced from the substrate in .beta.-oxidation blocked
strains, it is necessary to add a cosubstrate. The cosubstrate is a
fermentable carbohydrate such as glucose, fructose, maltose,
glycerol and sodium acetate. For larger industrial fermentations,
the preferred cosubstrate is glucose, preferably a liquid glucose
syrup, for example, 95% dextrose-equivalent syrup, or even lower
dextrose-equivalent syrups. For shake flask experiments, the
preferred cosubstrate is glycerol. Such materials contain small
amounts of disaccharides, trisaccharides, and polysaccharides which
can be hydrolyzed during the fermentation by the addition of an
amylase enzyme such as .alpha.-amylase, glucoamylase and cellulase.
Thus glucose can be provided in situ in a reaction simultaneous
with the biooxidation. The fermentation conditions and procedures
are similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,466.
[0027] The fermentation step can be modified by utilizing a
triglyceride fat or oil as the source of both the organic substrate
and cosubstrate. A lipase, formulated with the fermentation broth,
hydrolyzes or splits the fat or oil into fatty acids and glycerine.
Glycerine consumption by the organism serves to drive the splitting
reaction to completion while supplying the energy necessary to
convert the free fatty acids to their corresponding alcohols or
acids. Lipases that are oleo-specific are particularly preferred.
Oleo-specific lipases exhibit a high selectivity for a triglyceride
having a high oleic acid content and selectively catalyze the
hydrolysis of the oleate ester groups. Examples of such
oleo-specific lipases include but are not limited to the lipases
produced by Pseudomonas sp, Humicola lanuginosa, Candida rugosa,
Geotrichum candidum, and Pseudomonas (Burkholderia). A particularly
preferred lipase is UNLipase from Geotrichum candidum ATCC No.
74170 described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,741, the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0028] After the substrates were added to Candida sp. and
biooxidation occurred, samples were obtained, dried and analyzed.
Those skilled in the art are familiar with many techniques for
purification and analysis of alcohols, aldehydes and carboxylic
acids. In the present case, the dried samples were weighed and
dissolved in an NMR appropriate solvent: C.sub.13 and H-NMR were
performed on an adequate amount of recovered sample using a Varian
Unity 400 (Varian, Inc.).
[0029] However, analysis via NMR-spectroscopy has its limitations.
It can only estimate what changes occurred and identify functional
groups, but not identify the actual compounds that have been
synthesized. In complex mixtures, particularly, NMR may miss a
small amount of oxidation product altogether. Additionally the
extraction process solubilized a number of cellular components,
such as cell membrane lipids and other fatty acids produced from
the added carbon source (glycerol). Antifoam was also detected.
Therefore, for complex mixtures with only small amounts of product
formation, it might be useful to use IR, GC/MS, LC/MS, HPLC/MS or
other analytical techniques for a more accurate and precise
analysis. IR can be performed using, for example, a Nicolet
Magna-IR 560.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, GC/MS is also performed. Samples
are silylated prior to GC/MS analysis, but acetylation and
methylation may also be performed with certain samples, to make
derivatives. Derivatives aid in interpretation of the mass spectra
by making the compound better suited for structure elucidation,
particularly for identification of hydroxy derivatives by
silylation. These molecular weight differences assist in assigning
structures to components of samples. Samples may be separated using
any procedure known to those skilled in the art, such as a J&W
DB-5MS (60 m.times.0.25 mm.times.0.25 um) column (J & W
Scientific, Folsom, Calif.). GC/MS can be performed on any suitable
apparatus that permits accurate readings following the
manufacturer's protocol, such as al AutoSpec X015 VG (Micromass
Ltd., Manchester, England) triple sector mass spectrometer (E-B-E
configuration).
[0031] The results indicate that Candida sp. possess significant
genetic and biochemical variability, since they have the capability
to oxidize methyl groups attached to a variety of R-groups. Tests
with a homologous series of aliphatic chains attached to
cyclohexane (methylcyclohexane, ethylcyclohexane,
propylcyclohexane, and butylcyclohexane) indicate that the methyl
group must be part of an aliphatic chain of at least two carbons
(ethyl group). To date, no evidence of oxidation of a secondary,
tertiary, or aromatic methyl group has been observed. Most
substrates tested herein have the general formula:
R-(CH.sub.2)n-CH.sub.3, where R is an epoxide, alkoxy, ether,
saturated primary alcohol, cycloalkyl, aryl, diol, or diol ester.
Substrates were selected that allowed the determination of the
minimum chain length required for oxidation (n in the formula).
Other substrates were selected to determine what types of
functional groups (R in the formula) are compatible with
biooxidation.
[0032] The results of the experiments clearly indicate that the
terminal methyl groups of propyl and butyl chains (or larger)
attached to a variety of functional groups can be oxidized by
Candida sp. Overall, oxidation was seen where a terminal methyl
group was adjacent to a methylene group. Accordingly, depending
upon the number of such groups, monoacids, diacids, triacids, etc.
could be produced. Likewise, the number of OH groups and CHO groups
generated by biooxidation will vary based on the number of suitable
terminal methyl groups. Oxidation of substrates having branched
structures which provides multiple terminal methyl groups will
produce greater numbers of oxidized species. In addition, the
results with ethylcyclohexane indicate that the terminal methyl
group of the ethyl chain can also be oxidized. The successful
oxidation given the bulkiness of the cyclohexyl moiety would
indicate that ethyl groups attached to other functionalities are
oxidizable at the terminal methyl group as well. The evidence
available indicates that n in the previously described formula is 1
or higher.
[0033] The results indicate that an aliphatic chain can be attached
to a variety of functional groups without preventing biooxidation
of the terminal methyl group as long as a methylene separates the
terminal methyl group from the rest of the molecule. If substrates
and/or products contain both an acid and alcohol functionality,
esterification between acid and alcohol groups is observed to occur
to a certain extent. Without wishing to be bound by any theory,
this is likely catalyzed by either internal or external lipases,
which are known to catalyze esterification reactions in hydrophobic
environments. Epoxy groups are opened to form diols. All epoxy
groups of the Soybean oil Plastolein 9232 (epoxy soya) were opened.
This observation has now been confirmed by finding that
1,2-epoxytetradecane is oxidized to yield the corresponding
(.omega.,.omega.-1)-hydroxyfatty acid. Primary aliphatic alcohols
are oxidized at the terminal methyl to yield alcohols or diacids.
Shorter chain alcohols, such as dodecanol, show an unusually low
degree of reaction that may be due to the inhibition of growth due
to lauric acid product formation. The series butylcyclohexane,
propylcyclohexane, ethylcyclohexane, and methylcyclohexane, was
tested to determine the minimal aliphatic chain length needed for
oxidation of the terminal methyl group to occur. The results
described below indicate that the minimal chain length is two
(ethyl group). No oxidation of aliphatic chain lengths shorter than
two (methyl group) has been observed.
[0034] In order to achieve a higher yield of oxidation product or
to allow the oxidation to go to completion
(--CH.sub.3-->--CH.sub.2OH-->--CH- O-->--COOH), the
process of biooxidation could be prolonged to 72 hours or more. One
method for doing this would be to add another batch of carbon
source and/or sample after the initial time period. Very volatile
samples should be added more often during the biooxidation process
as well as samples that can only be added at lower concentrations
(to avoid toxicity).
[0035] The following examples are merely illustrative of certain
aspects of the invention and should not be construed as limiting
the invention in any manner.
EXAMPLE 1
Toxicity Tests of Organic Solvents
[0036] Since some of the substrates were solid at room temperature
or were added at low concentrations, they were first solubilized in
an organic solvent, prior to their addition to the yeast culture.
Since some solvents exhibit toxicity to Candida sp., one of the
first steps was to evaluate the toxicity of four potential organic
solvents: acetone, chloroform, ethanol and hexane. These solvents
were chosen because of their potential for solubilizing the
majority of the test substrates. Acetone in particular was
considered to be a good solvent, since it could solubilize most of
the organic substrates to be tested, yet was itself soluble in the
aqueous culture medium. The concentration at which a test solvent
became lethal to Candida sp. was determined by testing its ability
to grow in the presence of different solvents at different
concentrations. Cell growth in the presence of the different
solvents was monitored spectrophotometrically using a Shimadzu
UV160A UV-visible recording spectrophotometer.
[0037] For each solvent tested, YPD was added to five autoclaved
glass tubes. 6 ml was transferred to the first and 3 ml to the
rest. 4% solvent was added to the first tube. Then the solvents
were serially diluted to give concentrations from 4% to 0.25% by
pipetting 3 ml from one tube to another. The tubes were mixed well
between transfers. To achieve the serial dilution for chloroform
and hexane, which are not soluble in aqueous solutions, it was
necessary to pipette up and down or vortex until a uniform
suspension formed. After completing the dilutions, 10 ml of an
overnight grown YPD culture of C. tropicalis was added to each tube
and the culture was allowed to grow in the presence of the
solvents. As a positive control, one culture was inoculated in YPD
alone. After 24h in a 30.degree. C. shaker at 220 rpm the cultures
were sampled. The samples were then diluted in YPD 1:100 and the
absorbance (ABS) measured spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of
600 nm as an indicator for growth. Each culture was also examined
under the microscope.
[0038] The results of this test are shown below in Table 1. Three
out of four solvents were found to be useful. In addition to being
a very good solvent, acetone was found to be nontoxic at
concentrations of 4% or lower. Because of this, it was the solvent
of choice for the majority of the substrates. Both ethanol, which
was found to be nontoxic at 4%, and hexane, which was found to be
nontoxic at 2%, were found to be suitable solvents. Chloroform was
not an acceptable solvent, since it was found to be lethal at
concentrations greater than 1% and it precipitated various
components of the broth at these concentrations. Growth of C.
tropicalis strain H5343 was measured by absorbance at 600 nm.
1TABLE 1 Spectrophotometric Data of Toxicity tests of Organic
Solvents ABS Lambda = 600.0 nm Dilution in YPD (1:100)
Concentration [%] Organic Solvent 4 2 1 0.5 0.25 Acetone 0.087
0.149 0.111 0.183 0.123 Chloroform 0.000 0.000 0.005 0.168 0.156
Ethanol 0.090 0.119 0.137 0.104 0.122 Hexane 0.005 0.126 0.119
0.148 0.119
EXAMPLE 2
Toxicity Tests of Substrates
[0039] This experiment examined the toxicity of test substrates.
The data collected from Example 1 was used to help prepare a stock
solution of the test substrate in one of the solvents. Stock
solutions of most substrates in concentrations from 100 g/L to 500
g/L were made using acetone as a solvent. Aqueous solutions of
polyethylene glycol were prepared. In the few cases that the
substrate could not be dissolved in any of the tested solvents, it
was added neat.
[0040] The toxicity test used here was similar to that used for the
solvents described in Example 1. The goal was to determine the
highest concentration at which a substrate could be added to a
culture broth without being toxic, inhibiting growth, or
interfering with the bioconversion process. C. tropicalis strain
H5343 was grown in the presence of the substrate at different
concentrations and growth was monitored spectrophotometrically. In
order to determine if the substrate was lethal or was simply
inhibiting growth, the cultures were examined under the microscope
and streak plates of YPD and LB agar were prepared. Contamination
of the culture with an unwanted organism could also be detected
using this approach. Table 2 lists the substrates that were tested
along with their source.
2TABLE 2 Substrates Tested Substrate Vendor CAS No. Purity [%]
1-Dodecanol n/a 112-53-8 n/a 2-Ethylhexanoic acid Henkel 149-57-5
n/a 2-Heptylundecanoic Henkel n/a n/a acid 6-Dodecyne Lancaster
6975-99-1 n/a 6-Undecanol Fluka n/a n/a 9-Heptadecanone n/a n/a n/a
12-Hydroxystearic acid Lancaster 106-14-9 96 C.sub.12
.alpha.-Olefin Shell 112-41-4 n/a C.sub.14 .alpha.-Olefin Shell
1120-36-1 n/a Castor Oil n/a 8001-79-4 n/a Dodecyclamine Aldrich
124-22-1 98 E 993 Aliphat 34R Henkel n/a n/a Emery 9232, Pastolein
Henkel n/a n/a Eutanol G16 Henkel n/a n/a Generol Henkel n/a n/a
HD-Ocenol Henkel n/a n/a Hexadecyl acetate Henkel 3551-84-01 n/a
Hexadecyl pelargonate Henkel 3551-86 n/a Indu-Extrakt-sclareol
Henkel n/a n/a Larol alcohol C12-14A Henkel n/a n/a PEG 200
Lancaster 25322-68-3 n/a PEG 200, Dilaurate Henkel n/a n/a PEG 200,
Monolaurate Henkel n/a n/a R(+) limonene Aldrich 5989-27-5 97 S(-)
limonene Aldrich 5989-54-8 96 trans-2-nonene Aldrich 6434-78-2 99
trans-7-tetradecene Aldrich 41446-63-3 98
[0041] For each substrate tested, YPD was added to five autoclaved
glass tubes. 6 ml was transferred to the first tube and 3 ml to the
rest. 1% substrate was added to the first tube and then serially
diluted to give concentrations from 1% to 0.015%. Since the last
tube was initially empty, the concentration in the last two tubes
was the same. Except for the last tube, 10 ml of an overnight YPD
culture of C. tropicalis was added to each tube, the last tube was
a control for contamination. The cultures were then allowed to grow
in the presence of the substrates. As a growth-control one culture
without substrate was inoculated. After 48 h in a 30.degree. C.
shaker at 220 rpm the cultures were sampled. The samples were then
diluted in YPD 1:100 and growth was measured spectrophotometrically
at a wavelength of 600 nm.
[0042] To determine if contamination had occurred, each culture was
examined under the microscope and streak plates of both YPD and LB
were made from the 1% and the inoculated 0.015% tube.
[0043] Table 3 below shows that most substrates were not toxic at a
concentration of 1% or less. Some, however, were found to be highly
toxic to C. tropicalis and were not suitable for further
testing.
3TABLE 3 Spectrophotometric Data of Toxicity tests of Substrates
ABS 1 = 600.0 nm Dilution in YPD (1:100) Concentration [%] neg.
Substrate 1 0.5 0.25 0.13 0.063 0.0313 0.01563 control 1-Dodecanol
0.267 0.013 0.032 0.004 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 ** ** **
2-Ethylhexanoic acid 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.051 0.099
0.000 2-Heptylundecanoic acid 0.268 0.048 -- 0.043 0.077 0.077
0.082 0.000 6-Dodecyne 0.066 0.071 0.073 0.071 0.074 0.083 0.125
0.000 6-Undecanol 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
** ** ** ** ** ** ** 9-Heptadecanone 0.004 0.073 0.120 0.103 0.064
0.120 0.100 0.000 ** 12-Hydroxystearic acid 0.120 NT NT NT NT NT NT
NT C12 a-Olefin 0.082 0.080 0.080 0.082 0.119 0.119 0.077 0.000 C14
a-Olefin 0.087 0.084 0.115 0.097 0.085 0.084 0.061 0.000 Castor Oil
0.078 0.082 0.089 0.086 0.070 0.090 0.077 0.000 Dodecene 0.026
0.032 0.053 0.050 0.079 0.055 0.088 0.000 Dodecyclamine 0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 E 993 Aliphat 34R 0.093 0.098
0.091 0.102 0.093 0.081 0.112 0.000 Emery 9232, Pastolein 0.061 NT
0.076 0.107 0.870 0.055 0.059 0.000 Eutanol G16 0.117 0.122 0.145
0.273 0.110 0.145 0.120 0.000 Generol 0.053 0.044 0.011 0.122 0.139
0.145 0.148 0.000 * * * HD-Ocenol 0.087 0.085 0.097 0.115 0.076
0.087 0.093 0.000 Hexadecyl acetate 0.155 0.103 0.110 0.083 0.089
0.104 0.110 0.000 Hexadecyl pelargonate 0.080 0.102 0.103 0.083
0.075 0.095 0.112 0.000 Indu-Extrakt-sclareol 0.083 0.092 0.110
0.106 0.157 0.100 0.083 0.000 Larol alcohol C12-14A NT NT NT NT NT
NT NT NT PEG 200 0.089 0.096 0.101 0.096 0.103 0.108 0.101 0.000
PEG 200, Dilaurate 0.051 0.064 0.088 0.061 0.057 0.080 0.064 0.000
** PEG 200, Monolaurate 0.041 0.052 0.099 0.107 0.090 0.107 0.062
0.000 ** R(+) limonene 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.007 0.106 0.117 0.123
0.000 S(-) limonene 0.002 0.002 0.000 0.002 0.011 0.094 0.104 0.000
trans-2-nonene 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.066 0.105 0.100 0.112 0.000
trans-7-tetradecene 0.095 0.107 0.103 0.104 0.112 0.106 0.117 0.000
ABS = absorbance of culture broth NT => not tested ** growth
inhibited, cells still alive as detected on streak plates. Abs
result of substrate interference * no growth detected on streak
plates, therefore, possible substrate interference
EXAMPLE 3
Bioconversion Process (Phase 1)
[0044] The maximum non-toxic concentration of each substrate, as
determined from the toxicity testing in Example 2, was employed for
the bioconversion testing in shake flask experiments. Since the
majority of substrates tested were not toxic at 1%, the experiments
were carried out in a volume of 50 ml in a 500 ml baffled shake
flask. The test substrate was added as a stock solution dissolved
or diluted in an appropriate solvent (generally acetone).
Polyethylene glycol and its derivatives, however, were dissolved
either in water or were added neat, depending on viscosity and
solubility. Each experiment was done in duplicate. A control
without the organism was run for each substrate to verify that
chemical modifications were the result of the bioconversion by
Candida. The uninoculated controls were run under the same
conditions as the inoculated flasks.
[0045] The bioconversion tests were undertaken following a shake
flask protocol. On the first day, 100 ml of YPD was inoculated with
a fresh colony of C. tropicalis H5343 in a 1000 ml baffled shake
flask. The YPD contained 3 g/L BACTO.RTM. Yeast extract (Difco), 20
g/L BACTO.RTM. Peptone (Difco), and 20 g/L BACTO.RTM. Dextrose
(Difco). One drop of SAG471 (commercially available from Witco)
concentrate was added as an antifoaming agent. The culture was then
incubated in a 30.degree. C. shaker at 300 rpm for 20 hours.
[0046] After a growth phase of 20 hours, the 100 ml YPD culture was
transferred to 900 ml YM-Broth. The YM-Broth contained 3 g/L
BACTO.RTM. Yeast Extract, 3 g/L BACTO.RTM. Malt Extract, 5 g/L
BACTO.RTM. Peptone, and 10 g/L BACTO.RTM. Dextrose. The 1000 ml was
dispensed to five 2000 ml baffled shake flasks in 200 ml aliquots.
Again, one drop of SAG471 concentrate was added to each flask. The
cultures were then allowed to grow for 30 hours in a 30.degree. C.
shaker at 300 rpm.
[0047] The cells were then centrifuged for 5 min. at 4068 g at room
temperature. The supernatant was discarded and the cells were
resuspended in 1000 ml DCA3. DCA3 is a 0.3 M potassium phosphate
buffer, pH 7.5, containing 50 g/L glycerol and 6.7 g/L yeast
nitrogen base. After resuspension, 50 ml was transferred to 500 ml
baffled shake flasks. The substrate was then added at the optimal
concentration determined in the toxicity test described above in
Example 2. One drop of SAG 471 concentrate was added to each flask
prior to incubation for 48 hours in a 30.degree. C. shaker at 300
rpm.
[0048] After 48 hours, the cultures were transferred to 50 ml
Falcon tubes and stored frozen at -20.degree. C. until
analyzed.
[0049] In the standard procedure for extraction, the whole sample
was poured into a separation funnel and acidified with 5 ml HCl
[12N]. A mix of 30 ml diethyl ether and 20 ml petroleum ether was
added and the separation funnel was extracted using standard
extraction protocols. The water phase was removed to another
separation funnel. Again, a mix of 30 ml diethyl ether and 20 ml
petroleum ether was added and the separation funnel shaken in the
usual manner. The water phase was then discarded. Water was added
to both separation funnels, which were shaken again. The water
phase was discarded and both ether phases were combined and
filtered into preweighed beakers through sodium sulfate to remove
any remaining water. The solvent was then allowed to evaporate in
the hood to leave the dried sample behind.
[0050] Due to its water-solubility, polyethylene glycol and its
derivatives required a different extraction method. 10 ml of sample
broth was diluted with 90 ml HPLC-grade acetone and anhydrous
magnesium sulfate was added to remove the water. The suspension was
stirred for 1-2 min and was subsequently filtered into a preweighed
beaker. The filter residue was rinsed with HPLC-grade acetone and
the pooled acetone fractions were allowed to evaporate in the hood.
The dried sample was weighed and dissolved in an NMR appropriate
solvent. C.sub.13 and H-NMR were performed with an adequate amount
of recovered sample on a Varian Unity 400 (commercially available
from Varian, Inc.).
EXAMPLE 4
Bioconversion of Dodecene
[0051] The bioconversion of dodecene was tested following the
procedures set forth in Example 3. A low amount of sample was
recovered, about 10% of the starting weight, part of which was the
SAG 471 antifoam. The recovered material had significantly reduced
.alpha.-olefin and terminal CH.sub.3. The NMR on the sample
obtained showed that one major functionality is carboxylic acid.
Another is 1,2-diol. It is not certain from the spectra whether
there is any C.sub.12 di-acid or if the product is predominantly
11,12-dihydroxydodecanoic acid. Interestingly, a little fatty type
unsaturation and polyunsaturation was seen. A minor amount of some
unknown aromatic was also seen.
EXAMPLE 5
Bioconversion of 1-Tetradecene
[0052] The bioconversion of 1-tetradecene was tested following the
procedures set forth in Example 3. Recovery was 0.16 g (32%). The
NMR analysis was very similar to Example 4. Again, CH.sub.3 and
.alpha.-olefin were reduced significantly (not necessarily on the
same molecules). Again, significant acid was formed, and the
1,2-diol was more distinct, indicating 13,14-dihydroxytetradecanoic
acid. Some internal unsaturation was also seen, indicating
undesired microbial fatty acid modification. No triglyceride was
seen, despite glycerin being utilized as a nutrient.
EXAMPLE 6
Bioconversion of 2-Heptylundecanoic Acid
[0053] The bioconversion of 2-heptylundecanoic acid was tested
following the procedures set forth in Example 3. Recovery was 0.38
g (76%). NMR analysis showed approximately 25% reduction of the
chain terminal CH.sub.3. A significant part of this reduced
CH.sub.3 is present as primary hydroxyl and ester of primary
hydroxyl. Products formed include hydroxylated 2-heptylundecanoic
acid and carboxy-2-heptylundecanoic acid. Interestingly, a small
amount of unsaturation, typical of fatty unsaturation, was also
seen, plus the CH.sub.2 between olefin groups of fatty
polyunsaturation, indicating the organism can convert some of this
branched acid to oleic and linoleic acids. Samples from the control
showed NMR peaks as expected for the title substrate, along with a
small amount of ester of the incompletely oxidized residual
alcohol.
EXAMPLE 7
Bioconversion of 1-Dodecanol
[0054] The bioconversion of 1-dodecanol was tested following the
procedures set forth in Example 3. Recovery was 0.22 g (44%). IR
analysis showed acid, ester, and hydroxyl. NMR analysis showed
little, if any reduction of the terminal CH.sub.3 to dodecanedioic
acid. Apparently approximately 25% of the alcohol functionality
oxidized to dodecanoic acid, some of which then esterified. Also,
some of the alcohol was oxidized to the n-aldehyde. Approximately
0.4% of the product was n-aldehyde, 4.5-5% was dehydrated aldol
condensate, and approximately 12% was aldehyde di-alkyl acetal.
Products seen include dodecanal, dodecanoic acid, and
1,12-dodecanedioic acid. In the control, only the starting
1-dodecanol was detected.
EXAMPLE 8
Bioconversion of 6-Undecanol
[0055] The bioconversion of 6-undecanol was tested following the
procedures set forth in Example 3. Only 0.14 g, about 28% of the
starting weight, was recovered in the extract, indicating that most
of the substrate was either totally consumed by the organism, lost
to evaporation, or somehow lost in extraction. The extract
recovered was nearly identical to the starting material, with the
addition of a little SAG 471 antifoam containing polypropylene
glycol.
EXAMPLE 9
Bioconversion of 12-Hydroxystearic Acid
[0056] The bioconversion of 12-hydroxystearic acid was tested
following the procedures set forth in Example 3. The starting
material is about 4% self-esterified, and contains about 4%
12-ketostearic acid. 0.39 g or 78% of sample was recovered. NMR
analysis on the control showed no reaction. The finished extract
showed a slight decrease of the keto group, a slight decrease in
ester, and a slight increase in unsaturation, from about 1% to
about 2%. Of most significance, however, is that the presence of
terminal CH.sub.3 dropped about 25%, apparently by oxidation to the
acid, 7-hydroxyoctadecanedioic acid.
EXAMPLE 10
Bioconversion of Castor Oil
[0057] The bioconversion of castor oil was tested following the
procedures set forth in Example 3. Recovery was 0.20 g (40%). NMR
analysis on the products showed that the terminal CH.sub.3 was
about 25% gone, to 7-hydroxy-9-octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, since no
primary alcohol or ester of primary alcohol was seen. However, the
triglyceride functionality and the chain secondary hydroxy have
undergone an apparent random transesterification, yielding a mix of
mono-, di-, and triglycerides, plus an ester of secondary OH and
residual free secondary OH. Also seen at a minor level was the
ester of 2-enoic acid, possibly formed by oxidation at the
secondary hydroxyl. A few other small NMR peaks were unidentified.
NMR analysis of the control reaction showed only peaks expected for
castor oil, with a little random transesterification (1,2 and
1,3-diglycerides and esterified chain secondary OH), much lower
than in the bio-oxidized product. The control sample also showed
none of the 2-enoate observed in the bio-oxidized product.
EXAMPLE 11
Bioconversion of Plastolein 9232 (epoxidized soybean oil --epoxy
soya)
[0058] The bioconversion of Plastolein 9232 (epoxidized soybean
oil) was tested following the procedures set forth in Example 3.
0.17 g of the initial sample (34%) was recovered. NMR analysis
showed terminal CH.sub.3 was nearly all gone, apparently oxidized
to polycarboxy polyhydroxy soybean oil. The epoxy groups were
nearly completely opened to diols, some of which were esterified to
the newly formed acids, and some possibly transesterified with
glyceride. Triglyceride appeared to be only partially intact and
may be partially transesterified with the new acids and diols. In
contrast, the control reaction showed only the unreacted starting
material.
EXAMPLE 12
Bioconversion of 2-Hexyldecanol (Eutanol G-16)
[0059] The bioconversion of 2-hexyldecanol (Eutanol G-16) was
tested following the procedures set forth in Example 3. Recovery
was 0.34 g or 70%. NMR analysis showed the starting hydroxyl
remained unoxidized. The terminal CH3 were depleted approximately
15%, forming primary OH or acid. Products found were
carboxy-2-hexyldecanol and hydroxylated 2-hexyldecanol. NMR
analysis of the control sample showed only peaks expected for the
product, with a few minor components, including a vinylidene olefin
and an .alpha.-branched aldehyde, both still present in the
oxidized product. Analysis of the control revealed no oxidation of
the terminal methyl group.
EXAMPLE 13
Bioconversion of Hexadecyl Acetate
[0060] The bioconversion of hexadecyl acetate was tested following
the procedures set forth in Example 3. Recovery was 0.24 g or 28%.
NMR analysis showed that the acetate was completely gone, either
lost in extraction or utilized by the organism as an energy source.
The resulting primary OH was 85% gone, and the terminal CH.sub.3
was 95% gone, oxidized to 1,16-hexadecanedioic acid. The rate of
oxidation appeared higher than for simple alcohols, such as the
dodecanol and oleyl alcohol, with hexadecamediac acid as the
product. Interestingly, again some unsaturation was present. No
triglyceride was seen.
EXAMPLE 14
Bioconversion of Hexadecyl Pelargonate
[0061] The bioconversion of hexadecyl pelargonate was tested
following the procedures set forth in Example 3. Recovery was 0.24
g (48%). The NMR results showed the terminal CH.sub.3 was reduced
about 50%, and the expected 1,16-hexadecanedioic acid was formed.
Also, some ester of primary OH, about 25% of the starting ester
linkages, and some free primary OH were observed. Significant
hydrolysis and oxidation had occurred.
EXAMPLE 15
Bioconversion of Sclareol
[0062] The bioconversion of sclareol was tested following the
procedures set forth in Example 3. Recovery was 0.39-g (78%).
Proton and C13 APT NMR analysis showed no differences from the
starting material. (The sclareol was not pure, showing an
unidentified impurity, estimated at about 10%.)
EXAMPLE 16
Bioconversion of Polyethylene Glycol
[0063] The bioconversion of polyethylene glycol was tested
following the procedures set forth in Example 3. This sample was
water-soluble and thus not ether extractable. Therefore, the total
sample was acidified with HCl, diluted 5:1 in acetone, and the
precipitated salts filtered out. The liquid was allowed to
evaporate in a hood at room temperature. The residue was then
rinsed with acetone-d6 for NMR analysis. Surprisingly this showed
some oleic acid, some polypropylene glycol from the SAG-471, and
polyethylene glycol. There was no evidence of any PEG ester or
terminal acid. Thus any PEG oxidized was not recoverable with the
acetone.
EXAMPLE 17
Bioconversion of Trans-2-Nonene
[0064] The bioconversion of trans-2-nonene was tested following the
procedures set forth in Example 3. Recovery was very low. NMR
analysis showed some evidence of a non-2-enoic acid, possibly
non-2-enedioic acid, but also triglyceride, internal chain
unsaturation, and some much longer chain length material that might
be a simple fatty triglyceride.
EXAMPLE 18
Bioconversion of 7-Trans-Tetradecene
[0065] The bioconversion of 7-trans-tetradecene was tested
following the procedures set forth in Example 3. NMR analysis
showed that only 3.5% of the starting terminal CH.sub.3 remained.
Most was converted to 7-trans-tetradecenedioic acid and
14-hydroxytetradeceneoic acid, with a small amount of free primary
hydroxyl and approximately 0.2-0.3% esterified primary hydroxyl.
Interestingly, about 20-25% of the sample contained fatty type cis
unsaturation. NMR analysis of the starting olefin showed a similar
cis/trans isomer mix.
EXAMPLE 19
Bioconversion of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid
[0066] The bioconversion of 2-ethylhexanoic acid was tested
following the procedures set forth in Example 3. A very small
sample was recovered The CH.sub.3:CH.sub.2COOH ratio appeared to be
about 1:1. Unsaturation was also present, and the CH.sub.2 chain
length was closer to oleic acid than to the shorter starting
material or to the desired oxidation products. Thus, this material
appears to have been nearly totally consumed or lost in
extraction.
EXAMPLE 20
Bioconversion of 6-Dodecyne
[0067] The bioconversion of 6-dodecyne was tested following the
procedures set forth in Example 3. Another very low recovery sample
(possibly because of volatility during reaction). NMR analysis
showed some normal fatty olefinic unsaturation. Some triglyceride
and terminal CH.sub.3 amounts were rather high, indicating the
recovered sample was high in normal fat, and very low in reaction
product. Some residual alkyne and some ester of primary hydroxyl
was present.
EXAMPLE 21
Bioconversion of Ocenol Oleyl Alcohol
[0068] The bioconversion of ocenol oleyl alcohol was tested
following the procedures set forth in Example 3. NMR analysis
showed that the terminal CH.sub.3 was 80% gone, apparently replaced
by 1,18-octadecenedioic acid and 18-hydroxyoctadeceneoic acid. In
addition, primary OH was significantly reduced, with only 13%
remaining as free OH and 4% present as an ester, as well as esters
of oleyl alcohol. Thus the sample appears to be high in
octadecanedioic acid, but with some 18-hydroxyoleic acid and its
esters, as well as esters of oleyl alcohol. This sample was the
first to show a little triglyceride (about 1%).
EXAMPLE 22
Bioconversion of Generol 122N Sterol Mix.
[0069] The bioconversion of a Generol 122N sterol mix was tested
following the procedures set forth in Example 3. NMR analysis
showed only unreacted starting materials.
EXAMPLE 23
Toxicity Tests of Additional Substrates
[0070] Additional substrates were to be tested for bioconversion
following a slightly different protocol than the one noted above in
Example 3. Those substrates also had to be tested for toxicity
similar to the test described in Example 2, to determine the
highest concentration at which a substrate could be added to a
culture broth without being toxic, inhibiting growth, or
interfering with the bioconversion process. C. tropicalis was grown
in the presence of the substrate at three different concentrations
and growth was monitored spectrophotometrically. In contrast to
Example 2, all test substrates were added directly to the culture
medium without dissolving in solvent. The tests were completed as
follows:
[0071] On the first day, H5343 was grown in YPD medium (25.0 ml
seed culture) overnight on a rotary shaker at 30.degree. C. and 250
rpm. The next day 1.0 ml of the seed culture was used to inoculate
a new flask of 50 ml YPD. This culture was grown overnight on a
rotary shaker at 30.degree. C. and 250 rpm. 25 ml of the YPD broth
was added to each of three 250 ml baffled shake flasks to which
either 1%, 0.5% or 0.1% (either w/v or v/v, depending upon the
state of the test substrate) of the test substrate had been
added.
[0072] Two control flasks were each inoculated with H5343 in 25 ml
YPD. All flasks were incubated on a rotary shaker at 30.degree. C.
and 250 rpm.
[0073] After 24 hours incubation, the absorbance at 600 nm of the
test and control flask cultures was determined, using uninoculated
YPD broth as blank. Cultures were diluted so that the OD.sup.600nm
measured between 0.15 and 0.3.
[0074] Table 4 shows that many of the substrates to be tested were
not toxic at a concentration of 1% or less. Other substrates were
found to inhibit growth at high concentration, but not at lower
concentrations, while some inhibited fairly strongly even at the
lowest concentration. For strongly inhibitory substrates, a
concentration of 0. 1-0.2% was chosen for the bioconversion tests.
The concentration used in the bioconversion tests is shown in Table
4.
4TABLE 4 Spectrophotometric Data of Toxicity Tests of Substrates on
C. tropicalis Substrate Absorbance at 600 nm Concentration in
Concentration [%] 1.0% 0.5% 0.1% Bioconversion Test Control 34 34
34 Dodecylvinylether 7.33 12.63 20.43 0.5% 1,2-Epoxytetradecane
29.83 10.63 14.83 1.1% 1-Octadecene 34.7 36.33 34.93 1.0%
1-Hexadecene 37.93 35.33 38.99 1.0% 2-Hexydecanoic acid 41.53 35.33
27.73 1.0% Butylsulfone 1.503 2.723 22.033 0.5% 3-Octanone 1.229
0.909 31.33 0.27% Propylcyclohexane 1.201 34.12 44.13 0.5% Hexyl
Ether 3.33 13.21 12.85 0.5% Pentyl Ether 1.813 1.863 2.033 0.25%
Butylcyclohexane 20.33 21.13 22.03 1.0% 2-Butyl-1-octanol 6.213
8.973 10.53 0.5% Butylsulfone 12.25 14.21 5.61 0.25% Butylmalonic
Acid 8.53 27.13 27.43 0.5% 2-Butyloctanoic acid 4.41 4.63 5.87
0.29% Butylsulfoxide 5.81 11.37 15.63 0.5% 3-Hexylthiophene 1.223
1.033 0.933 0.24% 2-Hexyl-1-decanol 11.93 19.73 24.43 0.5%
1,2-Hexadecanediol 2.013 3.033 3.103 0.5% VMLP Naphtha 2.95 3.8
14.4 0.25%, 0.5% Diisobutylene 7.0 5.05 23.0 0.25%, 0.5% 2-Octanol
0.285 0.235 0.250 Not Tested Substrate 0.6% 0.3% 0.06%
Concentration [%] 3-Butyl-(ethylpentyl) 1.18 0.245 12.5 0.1%
oxazolidine 2-Methyl-3-heptanone 0.125 0.099 19.2 0.1%
Ethylcyclohexane 16.5 2.03 9.45 0.2% Methylcyclohexane 0.16 15.6
13.7 0.3%
EXAMPLE 24
[0075] Bioconversion Testing of Additional Substrates (Phase
II)
[0076] Using the data generated in Example 23, the bioconversion
testing was performed using substrate concentrations determined to
be neither lethal nor inhibitory in concentrations noted above in
Table 4. The test substrate was added directly to a shake flask,
either as a solid or as a liquid. A revised shake flask protocol
was utilized for the evaluation of yeast strains for diacid
production activity.
[0077] A single isolated colony was inoculated into 50 ml YPD broth
in a 500 ml baffled shake flask. The mixture was then incubated 24
hours at 30.degree. C. and 300 rpm on a rotary
shaker-incubator.
[0078] 15 ml of the YPD-grown culture was then transferred into 135
ml DCA2 medium in a 1000 ml baffled shake flask for a total volume
of 150 ml. (The DCA2 medium was prepared by combining 3 g
BACTO.RTM. Peptone, 6 g yeast extract, 3 g sodium acetate, 7.2 g
K.sub.2HPO.sub.4, and 9.3 g KH.sub.2PO.sub.4 with Milli-Q.RTM.
Water to produce 1 L. Then, 117 ml of the DCA2 mix was added to 15
ml 50% (w/v) glycerol in a 1000 ml baffle flask and autoclaved. The
mixture was then allowed to cool and added to 3 ml 50x YNB (334
g/L).) 100 .mu.l of sterile 1:10 SAG 471 antifoam solution was
added to each flask. The mixture was then incubated for 24 hours at
30.degree. C. and 300 rpm on a rotary shaker-incubator.
[0079] Cells from the DCA2-grown culture were then harvested by
centrifugation at 5000 rpm for 5 minutes. The spent broth was
poured off and each cell pellet resuspended in 150 ml DCA3 without
glycerol (approximately 1.1 times concentration of DCA2 culture).
(The DCA3 was prepared by adding 975 ml 0.3 M KHPO.sub.4 buffer, pH
7.5 (0.3 M K.sub.2HPO.sub.4 solution adjusted to pH 7.5 with 0.3 M
KH.sub.2PO.sub.4 solution), to 25 ml YNB. The mixture was increased
to 1 L with Milli-Q.RTM. water, mixed, and filter sterilized.) A 50
ml aliquot of this DCA3 suspension was added to a 500 ml baffled
shake flask containing appropriate amount of substrate, as
determined by toxicity analysis. 100 .mu.l of a 1:10 dilution of
SAG 471 antifoam was added to each flask. The flask was then
incubated at 30.degree. C. and 300 rpm on a rotary
shaker-incubator.
[0080] One hour after initial induction, 2 ml of a sterile 50%
(w/v) glycerol solution was added to each flask. Eight hours after
induction, an additional 1 ml of the glycerol solution was added to
each flask. The reaction was stopped after 24-30 hours in all
flasks by placing the flasks in a -20.degree. C. freezer.
[0081] For the extraction of the product, the frozen shake flask
sample was first thawed in a 37.degree. C. water bath. 5 ml 12N HCl
was added to the sample flask and well mixed. The acidified sample
was poured into a 250 ml separatory funnel. 60 ml ethyl ether and
40 ml petroleum ether were combined into the empty sample shake
flask and swirled well to mix and rinse flask. This was added to
the separatory funnel, which was capped and shaken for 1 minute,
pausing occasionally to release gas pressure. After standing for 5
minutes, the water layer was removed by decanting into the empty
shake flask. The upper solvent layer was decanted into 50ml
centrifuge tubes and centrifuged for 15 minutes in a tabletop
centrifuge at 3500 rpm. The ether layer was transferred by pipette
to a collection beaker for evaporation.
[0082] This extraction procedure was repeated on the aqueous layer
with the exception that 30 ml ethyl ether and 20 ml petroleum ether
were added to the aqueous layer prior to extraction. The two ether
extracts were combined in the beaker and the solvents were allowed
to dry at ambient temperatures, leaving product behind. The product
was redissolved in a small amount of ethyl ether and was
transferred to a tared HPLC vial and the solvent was allowed to
evaporate. The sample weight was taken by calculating the
difference between the weigh of the sample+HPLC vial and the tared
weight of the vial itself. The percent recovery was determined by
dividing the weight of the recovered sample by the weight of the
sample originally added to the flask and multiplying the result by
100.
[0083] The sample was then submitted first for NMR analysis and, if
evidence of oxidation was observed, was later submitted for GC/MS
analysis.
EXAMPLE 25
Bioconversion of Butylcyclohexane
[0084] The bioconversion of butylcyclohexane was tested following
the procedures set forth in Example 24. Recovery was low; 0.05 g
was recovered from 0.537 g starting material (9.3% recovery). This
low recovery reflects the volatility of the test substrate. The NMR
results obtained for this sample indicate that of the sample
recovered, a small but significant portion was determined to be the
polypropylene glycol from the SAG 471 antifoam. It was found to
contain considerable carboxylic acid. Some portion of that
carboxylic acid was thought to be the anticipated product. The
sample was found to contain material that was far more linear than
expected, and demonstrated chain unsaturation and polyunsaturation.
It also showed a little triglyceride. Finally, the sample
demonstrated an oxygen bearing CH, indicating oxidation of the
chain off the ring, to cyclohexyl ester or ether. The products
noted were 2-butylcyclohexanone, 4-cyclohexylbutanol,
4-(2-hydroxycyclohexyl)butanol- , 4-(2-hydroxycyclohexyl)butanoic
acid, cyclohexylbutanoic acid, and 4-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxybutanoic
acid.
[0085] The GC/MS results indicated that the expected reaction
product, cyclohexylbutyrate, as well as the intermediate alcohol,
was formed. Surprisingly, oxidations of the cyclohexane ring were
also found. Additionally, some oxidation of the alpha carbon on the
butyl group was observed as well. Since recovery was low, the
individual reaction products represented only small quantities, but
indicated additional oxidation capabilities for this organism
besides .omega.-oxidation. As these results were obtained in shake
flask experiments, the product type and quantity might be
influenced by a controlled substrate feed in a fermenter
vessel.
EXAMPLE 26
Bioconversion of Propylcyclohexane
[0086] The bioconversion of propylcyclohexane was tested following
the procedures set forth in Example 24. Recovery was only 0.049 g
from 0.252 g starting material (19.4% recovery). This low recovery
reflects the volatility of the test substrate. The NMR results
obtained for this sample indicate that of the sample recovered, a
small but significant portion was determined to be the
polypropylene glycol from the SAG 471 antifoam. The sample,
however, was found to contain considerable carboxylic acid, with a
portion of that carboxylic acid was thought to be the anticipated
product. The sample was found to contain material that was far more
linear than expected, and contained chain unsaturation and
polyunsaturation. The methyl to acid ratio indicates considerable
di-acid in the sample. As with the butylcyclohexane reaction, an
oxygen bearing CH, indicating oxidation of the chain off the ring
to cyclohexyl ester or ether, was observed. The products found were
3-(2-hydroxycyclohexyl)propa- noic acid, cyclohexylpropanoic acid
and 3-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxypropanoic acid.
[0087] The GC/MS results were similar to what was observed with
butylcyclohexyane in that the expected product, cyclohexylpropionic
acid (the main product), was detected. Oxidation of the cyclohexane
ring was also found in small amounts. Additionally, some oxidation
of the alpha carbon on the propyl group was observed as well.
EXAMPLE 27
Bioconversion of Ethylcyclohexane
[0088] The bioconversion of ethylcyclohexane was tested following
the procedures set forth in Example 24. Recovery was 0.052 g from
0.100 g starting material (52% recovery). The NMR results obtained
for this sample indicate the presence of a little BHT and
polypropylene glycol, plus the same unknown aromatic. It is a
predominantly linear carboxylic acid, higher in di-acid than the
methylcyclohexane product. Also present was some triglyceride, a
1,3-diglyceride, and the same sterol as above, though at a lower
level. No starting material remained. However, a little
cyclohexylacetic acid has also apparently been made, but far less
than the fatty derived material.
[0089] The results of the GC/MS analysis were in agreement with the
NMR data in detecting the expected product, cyclohexylacetate, in
small amounts. In this case, however, neither oxidations of the
cyclohexane ring nor of the alpha carbon of the acetyl group were
detected.
EXAMPLE 28
Bioconversion of Methylcyclohexane
[0090] The bioconversion of methylcyclohexane was tested following
the procedures set forth in Example 24. Recovery was 0.055 g from
0.150 g starting material (36.7% recovery). The NMR results
obtained for this sample indicate that the vast majority of the
small sample recovered was a fatty triglyceride with some
1,3-diglyceride and some carboxylic acid. Also seen was some highly
branched material, possibly some type of sterol like ergosterol
(though not with a double bond at position 5). A little
polypropylene glycol (antifoam), BHT (from extraction solvent), and
some unidentified aromatic were also found. No methylcyclohexane
was seen. Any product was minor, if present at all. Because of
these results, this sample was not submitted for GC/MS.
EXAMPLE 29
Bioconversion of Naringenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavanone)
[0091] The bioconversion of naringenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavanone)
was tested following the procedures set forth in Example 24.
Naringenin was selected for testing to determine if C. tropicalis
was capable of oxidizing it to the corresponding isoflavone.
Recovery was .222 g from 0.503 g starting material (44.1%
recovery). Because of solubility problems, the NMR for this sample
was examined in acetone-d6 instead of CDCl.sub.3. The recovered
sample was nearly identical to the starting material. The only loss
was that of a minor ethyl acetate contaminant in the starting
material, probably a crystallization solvent. New peaks were only a
minor amount of residual ethyl ether, trace SAG 471 antifoam, and a
small amount of unsaturated fatty acid, possibly partly oxidized to
diacid. This is probably a fatty acid made by the organism. No new
aromatic components were seen. Low recovery was probably due to
poor extraction due to partial solubility in water, though it is
possible the material may have been metabolized. The conclusion
from this test is that naringenin is not oxidized by C.
tropicalis.
[0092] The GC/MS results confirmed the NMR analysis, indicating
nothing but starting material in the extracted sample.
EXAMPLE 30
Bioconversion of 2-Hexyl-1-Decanol (Guerbet Alcohol)
[0093] The bioconversion of 2-hexyl-1-decanol (Guerbet alcohol) was
tested following the procedures set forth in Example 24. This
substrate was selected to determine how easily the terminal methyl
of the hexyl moiety is oxidized. It is also another example of a
Guerbet alcohol and offers another test of the capability of C.
tropicalis to oxidize a primary alcohol attached to a one-carbon
chain on a branched compound. Recovery was good, 0.244 g from 0.255
g starting material (95.7% recovery). The NMR results obtained for
this sample indicate that none of the starting alcohol
functionality had oxidized to acid (or ester). However, about 16%
of the alcohol had esterified. Significant carboxylic acid
functionality was seen. Approximately 9% of original terminal
CH.sub.3 had oxidized to alcohol, of which 18% was esterified.
About 55-60% of terminal CH.sub.3 had oxidized to acids, part of
which were esterified. Residual CH.sub.3 was still significant.
Interestingly, there was a little unsaturation.
[0094] The GC/MS profile demonstrated that both the C-8 and the C-6
side chain methyl groups were oxidized to the alcohol and then the
acid, as expected. Products found were
2-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-1-docanol, 2-hexyl-1,10-decanediol,
7-hydroxymethyl-pentadecanoic acid, 10-hydroxy-9-n-hexyl-decanoic
acid, 15-hydroxy-7-hydroxymethyl-pentadecan- oic acid,
15-hydroxy-9-hydroxymethyl-pentadecanoic acid, and
7-hydroxymethyl-1,15-pentadecanedioic acid. There was no evidence
of any oxidation of the initial primary alcohol, however.
EXAMPLE 31
Bioconversion of 2-Hexyldecanoic Acid
[0095] The bioconversion of 2-hexyldecanoic acid was tested
following the procedures set forth in Example 24. This substrate
was chosen to determine if a triacid product could be made from the
branched acid starting material. Recovery was 0.469 g from 0.528 g
starting material (88.8% recovery). The NMR results obtained for
this sample indicate that slightly over half the starting terminal
CH.sub.3 groups remained, while less than half were oxidized to
acid or hydroxyl. Some was esterified to branched acid, and some to
linear. It was not certain if there was any tri-acid, or only mono
and di-acids. Again, some chain unsaturation was seen. The products
found were 2-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-1-decanoic acid,
10-hydroxy-2-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-decanoic acid,
7-carboxy-pentadecanoic acid, 9-carboxy-pentadecanoic acid,
15-hydroxy-7-carboxy-pentadecanoic acid, and
15-hydroxy-9-carboxy-pentadecanoic acid.
[0096] The GC/MS profile showed that both the C-8 and the C-6 side
chain methyl groups were oxidized to the alcohol and at least one
side chain was oxidized to acid. Unfortunately there was no
evidence of any formation of the triacid. In principle, since the
analogous Guerbet alcohol described previously showed oxidation of
both terminal methyl groups to the acid, this material should also
oxidize both.
EXAMPLE 32
Bioconversion of 1-Hexadecene
[0097] The bioconversion of 1-hexadecene was tested following the
procedures set forth in Example 24. A longer-chain .alpha.-olefin
than was previously tested was chosen to confirm that the
(.omega.,.omega.-1)-dihydroxy fatty acid could be produced.
Recovery was 0.358 g, from 0.502 g starting material (71.3%
recovery). The diols made may have been slightly water soluble and
partially lost in extraction. The NMR results obtained for this
sample indicate that about 70% of terminal CH.sub.3 was oxidized to
15,16-dihydroxyhexadecanoic acid. About 50% of vinyl unsaturation
remained, 50% oxidized to diol. IR indicated the presence of some
ester. Again, some chain unsaturation was seen, indicating the
organism may be making fatty acids.
[0098] The GC/MS data confirmed the results of the NMR. The
(.omega.,.omega.1)-dihydroxy fatty acid was formed as the major
product in the reaction.
EXAMPLE 33
Bioconversion of 2-Butyl-1-octanol
[0099] The bioconversion of 2-butyl-1-octanol was tested following
the procedures set forth in Example 24. This Guerbet alcohol was
selected to determine if the terminal methyl of the butyl group
could be oxidized to the acid. Recovery was 0.201 g from 0.254 g
starting material (79.1% recovery). IR examination showed some
carboxylic acid, and residual OH, plus a little ester. NMR
indicated about half the CH.sub.3 groups had oxidized, mostly to
acid, but a little to terminal OH. The alpha branched OH appears to
be un-oxidized, but about 10-15% of these starting OH groups were
esterified. Again, a significant amount of unsaturated fatty
material was seen. The products found were
2-(6-hydroxybutyl)-1-docanol, 2-propyl-1,8-octanediol,
7-hydroxymethyl-undecanoic acid, 8-hydroxy-7-n-propyl-octanoic
acid, 11 -hydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl-undecanoi- c acid,
11-hydroxy-7-hydroxymethyl-undecanoic acid, and
7-hydroxymethyl-1,11-undecanedioic acid.
[0100] The GC/MS profile showed that both the C-4 and the C-6 side
chain methyl groups were oxidized to the alcohol and then the acid,
as expected. As with 2-hexyl-1-decanol, there was no evidence of
any oxidation of the initial primary alcohol.
EXAMPLE 34
Bioconversion of Dihexyl Ether
[0101] The bioconversion of hexyl ether was tested following the
procedures set forth in Example 24. This substrate was chosen for
testing to determine if the R-group attached to the aliphatic chain
could be an ether. Recovery was 1.049 g from 0.261 g starting
material (402% recovery). The sample was diluted in acetone-d6 for
NMR examination. As with other samples, there was a little
unsaturated fatty acid, some polypropylene glycol (SAG 471), and a
minor amount of triglyceride. Of primary concern, however, was the
ether bond remaining intact, and about 80% of the CH.sub.3
oxidizing to carboxylic acid.
[0102] The GC/MS data confirmed that the expected diacid, 7-oxa-
1,13 -tridecanedioic acid, was the major product.
EXAMPLE 35
Bioconversion of Dodecylvinyl Ether
[0103] The bioconversion of dodecylvinyl ether was tested following
the procedures set forth in Example 24. This substrate was selected
for testing to determine the fate of the terminal diol attached
directly to the ether functionality. It was also of interest to
determine if the terminal methyl group could be oxidized. Recovery
was 0.233 g from 0.260 g starting material (89.6% recovery). The
NMR results obtained for this sample indicate that the vinyl group
was missing. Also, about 60% of the terminal CH.sub.3 had oxidized
to dodecanedioic acid, with a small amount of primary OH. However,
the peaks demonstrating carboxylate were stronger than expected,
indicating C.sub.12 diacid formation. Other major functionalities
noted included an alkyl alkoxy glycolate (ether-ester), and
surprisingly, an acetaldehyde di-alkyl acetal.
[0104] The GC/MS profile demonstrated that although there appears
to be a tiny amount of the expected (.omega.,.omega.-1)-dihydroxy
fatty acid the major product was the C.sub.12 diacid. It appears
that the terminal diol was cleaved and the ether group was oxidized
to the acid, with the alcohol intermediate detected as well.
EXAMPLE 36
Bioconversion of Dibutyl Sulfone
[0105] The bioconversion of dibutyl sulfone was tested following
the procedures set forth in Example 24. Recovery was 0.209 g from
0.26 g starting material (80.4% recovery). NMR showed a little SAG
471, a little unsaturated fatty acid, and minor unidentified
material, but predominantly unreacted dibutyl sulfone. No GC/MS
analysis was performed.
EXAMPLE 37
Bioconversion of Butylmalonic Acid
[0106] The bioconversion of butylmalonic acid was tested following
the procedures set forth in Example 24. Recovery was 0.325 g from
0.253 g starting material (128% recovery). This sample was
dissolved in acetone-d6 for NMR analysis, which indicated
considerable unreacted starting material remained, with some normal
unsaturated fatty acid, a little SAG 471, and little or no desired
tri-acid. No GC/MS analysis was performed.
EXAMPLE 38
Bioconversion of Butyl Sulfoxide
[0107] The bioconversion of Butyl sulfoxide was tested following
the procedures set forth in Example 24. Recovery was 0.152 g from
0.259 g starting material (58.7% recovery). The NMR results
obtained for this sample indicate that a small amount of
unsaturated fatty acid was present, along with some SAG 471. The
main components however were approximately 80% dibutylsulfoxide and
approximately 20% dibutyl sulfone. No GC/MS analysis was
performed.
EXAMPLE 39
Bioconversion of 2-Butyloctanoic Acid
[0108] The bioconversion of 2-butyloctanoic acid was tested
following the procedures set forth in Example 24. Recovery was
0.114 g from 0.144 g starting material (79.2% recovery). NMR showed
predominantly unreacted starting material, with a little
polypropylene glycol (antifoam), BHT, and minor ether peroxides and
other by-products. Based on data from the corresponding Guerbet
alcohol, one would have expected this material to be oxidized to
some degree.
EXAMPLE 40
Bioconversion of 3-Hexylthiophene
[0109] The bioconversion of 3-hexylthiophene was tested following
the procedures set forth in Example 24. Recovery was 0.109 g from
0.122 g starting material (89.3% recovery). NMR indicated the
material was mostly unreacted starting material. Several minor
peaks were seen, which remain unidentified, but did not indicate
the expected oxidation of the terminal CH.sub.3 to acid. Instead,
it appears some polyhydric material was formed, possibly from the
solubilization of a sugar adduct to an organically soluble
material. A small amount of polypropylene glycol and minor
unsaturated fatty acid or ester was also seen. No GC/MS analysis
was performed.
EXAMPLE 41
Bioconversion of 1-Octadecene
[0110] The bioconversion of 1-octadecene was tested following the
procedures set forth in Example 24. Recovery was 0.287 g from 0.502
g starting material (57.2% recovery). The NMR results obtained for
this sample indicate that some fatty acid was present, and some
residual .alpha.-olefin, but about half the olefin had oxidized to
1,2-diol, and about 80% of the terminal CH.sub.3 had oxidized to
acid, indicating that the expected (.omega.,.omega.-1)-dihydroxy
fatty acid, 17,18-dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid was formed. No GC/MS
analysis was performed.
EXAMPLE 42
Bioconversion of Dipentyl Ether
[0111] The bioconversion of pentyl ether was tested following the
procedures set forth in Example 24. Like the hexyl ether, this
substrate was tested to determine if the terminal methyl groups of
the pentyl chains could be oxidized. Recovery was 0.100 g from
0.123 g starting material (81.3% recovery). NMR results indicate
the ether remained intact, and about 50% of the terminal CH.sub.3
was oxidized to 6-oxa-1,11-undecanedioic acid. Some intermediate
primary OH and an ester of primary OH was also seen. This result
confirmed that the terminal methyl on the C.sub.5 chain could be
oxidized to the acid. No GC/MS analysis was performed.
EXAMPLE 43
Bioconversion of 3-Octanone
[0112] The bioconversion of 3-octanone was tested following the
procedures set forth in Example 24. This substrate was tested to
determine if C. tropicalis could oxidize the terminal methyl group
(either the C.sub.4 or C.sub.2) attached to a ketone functionality.
Recovery was 0.069 g from 0.135 g starting material (51% recovery).
NMR showed some of the product to be fatty acid. Some PPG and some
BHT (ether stabilizer) was also seen. Interestingly, the 3-octanone
was nearly completely gone, with 3-octanol being seen. Product loss
was likely due to volatility during solvent evaporation after
extraction. No GC/MS analysis was performed.
EXAMPLE 44
Bioconversion of 1,2-Epoxytetradecane
[0113] The bioconversion of 1,2-epoxytetradecane was tested
following the procedures set forth in Example 24. This substrate
was selected to confirm the results of the tests on Epoxy Soya,
where it was found that the epoxy rings were split to form a diol.
Recovery was 0.349 g from 0.534 g starting material (65.4%
recovery). The NMR results obtained for this sample indicate that
epoxy was completely gone, replaced by diol. Most of the terminal
CH.sub.3 (about 80%) was oxidized to the acid
13,14-dihydroxytetradecanoic acid. Since the NMR results were
fairly convincing, no GC/MS analysis was performed.
EXAMPLE 45
Bioconversion of 1,2-Hexadecanediol
[0114] The bioconversion of 1,2-hexadecanediol was tested following
the procedures set forth in Example 24. This substrate was tested
to demonstrate the ability to form a (.omega., .omega.-1)-dihydroxy
fatty acid. Recovery was 0.138 g from 0.253 g starting material
(54.5% recovery). NMR shows the 1,2-diol to be unchanged, as
expected from olefin studies. But, interestingly, CH.sub.3
oxidation to the 15,16-dihydroxyhexadecanoic acid was lower than
seen with octadecene, because the starting material was solid.
Conversion was only about 30%. Some fatty unsaturation and minor
polypropylene glycol were also seen. Since the NMR results were
fairly convincing, no GC/MS analysis was performed.
EXAMPLE 46
Bioconversion of Di-isobutylene
[0115] The bioconversion of di-isobutylene was tested following the
procedures set forth in Example 24. This substrate was tested
because it is a potential solvent for use in the C18:1 diacid
recovery process. It was important to determine the fate of any
residual DIB that might be left in recovery side streams that could
potentially be recycled back to later fermentations. Recovery was
0.029 g from 0.125 g starting material (23.2% recovery). The NMR
results showed long chain linear unsaturated mono and di-acids,
about 15% of which were present as triglycerides. Also seen was a
little polypropylene glycol (from the SAG 471 antifoam) along with
some trace BHT, possibly a stabilizer in the extraction solvent.
There was little evidence of any branched materials, indicating the
test substrate was either degraded or was lost during testing or
extraction. It also indicated that no non-volatile oxidation
products were formed in the process. Because of this result, no
GC/MS analysis was performed.
EXAMPLE 47
Bioconversion of VMLP Naptha
[0116] The bioconversion of VMLP naptha was tested following the
procedures set forth in Example 24. Recovery was 0.024 g from 0.125
g starting material (19.2% recovery). The NMR results obtained for
this sample indicate that little or no VMLP oxidation product
appeared to have been formed. The product was predominantly a mix
of linear unsaturated mono and di-acids, with a small amount of
polypropylene glycol. Interestingly, little or no triglyceride was
present. Because of this result, no GC/MS analysis was
performed.
EXAMPLE 48
Bioconversion of 2-Methyl-3-heptanone
[0117] The bioconversion of 2-methyl-3-heptanone was tested
following the procedures set forth in Example 24. This was another
test for the ability of C. tropicalis to oxidize the terminal
methyl group of an aliphatic chain attached to a semi-complex
ketone functionality. Recovery was 0.062 g from 0.050 g starting
material (124% recovery). The NMR results obtained for this sample
indicate the presence of a blend of triglyceride, 1,3-diglyceride,
possible ergosterol, BHT, and polypropylene glycol. Some residual
starting material was detected. In such a mix, it is difficult to
say if desired product has been formed or not. This was not
submitted for GC/MS analysis.
EXAMPLE 49
Bioconversion of 3-Butyl-2(1-ethylpentyl)oxazolidine
[0118] The bioconversion of 3-butyl-2(1-ethylpentyl)oxazolidine was
tested following the procedures set forth in Example 24. Recovery
was 0.021 g from 0.100 g starting material (21% recovery). The NMR
results obtained for this sample indicate the presence of some
apparent fatty derived material, though less than the other
samples. BHT, other minor aromatics and polypropylene glycol seen
in the other samples were again seen. No residual starting material
was seen. Also, the branched carbon between the oxygen and nitrogen
of the starting material was totally absent. The low level of the
oxidation product in this complex mix made identification
difficult. But some significant CH.sub.3 was seen, indicating
something from the starting material, but ring degradation rather
than acid formation. It is also possible that some desired product,
may have been made, but being amphoteric, was more soluble in water
than in extraction solvent. This sample was not submitted for GC/MS
analysis.
EXAMPLE 50
Bioconversion of The Bio-oxidation of 1,4-diethylbenzene.
[0119] NMR on the sample obtained showed considerable long chain
unsaturated fatty material was formed, which was partially oxidized
to di-acid. Considerable sterol was also present, plus
polypropylene glycol, and a little BHT. Other major aromatic
compounds were present, but the starting 1,4-diethyl benzene
appeared to be mostly reacted. The predominant product was
4-ethylphenylacetic acid. There appeared to be little or no
1,4-phenylenediacetic acid, the possible di-oxidized product.
[0120] A summary of the results of the bioconversion testing
described in the above Examples is set forth below in Table 5.
5TABLE 5 Summary of screening results Chemical Class/R Group Phase
Chemical Substrate Reaction or Major Reaction Product Fatty Acids
or Fatty I 12-Hydroxystearic acid 7-hydroxyoctadecanedioic acid
Acid Esters I Hexadecyl Pelargonate Terminal methyls oxidized to
acids Ester linkage hydrolyzed I Castor Oil Terminal methyls
oxidized to acids Considerable transesterification I Hexadecyl
Acetate Terminal methyls oxidized to acids Ester linkage hydrolyzed
Ethers II Dihexyl Ether .alpha.,.omega.-Diacid II Dipentyl Ether
Terminal methyls oxidized to acids II Dodecylvinyl Ether
Dodecanedioic acid Alpha Olefins I Dodecene (.omega.,.omega.)-1)
Dihydroxy Fatty Acid I Tetradecene (.omega.,.omega.-1) Dihydroxy
Fatty Acid II Hexadecene (.omega.,.omega.-1) Dihydroxy Fatty Acid
II Octadecene (.omega.,.omega.-1) Dihydroxy Fatty Acid Alkenes I
trans-2-nonene 2-enoic acid (recovery low) I 7-trans-tetradecene
7-trans-tetradecenedioic acid II Diisobutylene No
reaction/Volatility Alkynes I 6-Dodecyne No Reaction/Volatility
Alcohols I 1-Dodecanol Terminal OH oxidized to acid Some Terminal
methyl oxidized I Oleyl Alcohol Octadecenedioic acid I 6-Undecanol
No Reaction II 2-Octanol Toxic at 0.1% Branched Alcohols II
2-Hexyldecanol Terminal methyls oxidized to acids II
2-Butyl-1-Octanol Terminal methyls oxidized to acids
1,2-Hexadecanediol (.omega.,.omega.-1) Dihydroxy Fatty Acid II
Branched Acids I 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Too Volatile I
2-Heptylundecanoic Acid Terminal methyls oxidized to acids II
2-Hexyldecanoic Acid Terminal methyls oxidized to acids II
2-Butyloctanoic Acid No reaction II Butylmalonic Acid No reaction
Ketones II 3-Methyl-3-heptanone No Reaction II 3-Octanone No
Reaction Epoxides I Epoxy Soya Terminal methyls oxidized to acids
Epoxy groups open to diols II 1,2-epoxytetradecane
(.omega.,.omega.-1) Dihydroxy Fatty Acid Sulfur Compounds II
Butylsulfonc No reaction II Butylsulfoxide No reaction II
3-Hexylthiophene Screening in Process Aliphatic Amines I
Dodecylamine Toxic at 0.01% Ring Compounds I Limonene No
Reaction/Volatility I Sclareol No Reaction I Generol No Reaction II
Butylcyclohexane Terminal methyls oxidized to acids II
Propylcyclohexane Terminal methyls oxidized to acids II
Ethylcyclohexane Terminal methyl oxidized to acid II
Methylcyclohexane No Reaction II 3-Butyl-2-(1-ethylpentyl) No
Reaction Oxazolidine Miscellaneous I PEG No Reaction I PEG200
Monolaurate Terminal methyls oxidized to acids I PEG200 Dilaurate
Terminal methyls oxidized to acids II VMLP Naphtha No reaction
[0121] It will be understood that various modifications may be made
to the embodiments disclosed herein and that the above description
should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications
of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision
other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims
appended hereto.
* * * * *