Biotransformation of terpene aldehydes by Euglena gracilis Z

Abstract

Biotransformation of seven classes of monoterpene aldehydes, namely myrtenal, l- and dl-perillaldehyde, 1-phellandral, citral as α,β-unsaturated terpene aldehydes and trans- and cis-1,2-dihydroperillaldehyde and d-, l- and dl-citronellal and an aromatic aldehyde, cumin aldehyde, was carried out by Euglena gracilis Z cultured photoheterotropically. Euglena gracilis Z reduced saturated and unsaturated terpene aldehydes to corresponding terpene alcohols. The double bond of the resulting α,β-unsaturated terpene alcohols was further hydrogenated to form the corresponding saturated terpene alcohols. A small amount of terpenic acids was also formed.