Abstract
Biotransformation of methyl phenyl sulfide (MPS) into optically active (R)-sulfoxide was optimized using Gordonia terrae IEGM 136 cells immobilized into cryogel of polyvinyl alcohol. Biotransformation time of 0.5g/L MPS was shortened from 144 to 24h in comparison with free cells. Immobilized Gordonia cells were resistant to high (up to 1.5g/L) sulfide concentrations and catalyzed its complete bioconversion into (R)-sulfoxide (95% ee) within 72h. Using a sequential addition method, the total load of MPS reached 4.25g/L. At that, MPS bioconversion was 96.9% and the enantiomeric excess (ee) value of the target (R)-sulfoxide was as high as 96%. Possible reuse of immobilized cells for MPS biotransformation was experimentally proved. The obtained biocatalyst showed a high activity towards ethyl phenyl sulfide, benzyl methyl sulfide, methyl p-tolyl sulfide and formed corresponding (R)-sulfoxides with 77–95% ee. Putative pathways for sulfide oxidation by Gordonia cells were proposed.
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