Bio-catalytic Synthesis of Isoprenoids by Cultured Cells of Cucurbita maxima

Abstract

We previously demonstrated the biotransformation of prenyl alcohols into the corresponding carboxylic acids by cultured cells of Cucurbita maxima. Here, we further investigated two kinds of biotransformation by these cultured cells using combinations of prenyl alcohols and isopentenol and of prenyl diphosphate and isopentenyl diphosphate. The major material formed in the biocatalytic reaction of geranyl diphosphate with isopentenyl diphosphate as substrates was geranylgeraniol, with not only farnesol but also geranylfarnesol also formed, although as minor materials. With the combination of geraniol and isopentenol, in contrast, geranylgeraniol was formed, but neither farnesol nor geranylfarnesol was detected.