Enantioselective Hydrolysis of Ketoprofen Esters Using Yeast Cells

1 Enantioselective Hydrolysis of Ketoprofen Esters Using Yeast Cells 

Ketoprofen, or 2-(3-benzoylphenyl)propionic acid, is a kind of 2-arylpropionic acid that represents an important group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and is widely used to relieve inflammation and pain resulting from arthritis, sunburn, menstrual pain, or fever. Previous studies have shown that its anti-inflammatory activity lies mainly in its (S)-enantiomer, while its (i )-enantiomer is a potentially highly potent analgesic treatment for neuropathic pain. Therefore, it is very valuable to obtain optically pure (S)- or (/ )-ketoprofen. 

1 Effects of Chemical Solvents on Whole-Cell Activity 

Although the catalytic activity of T. brassicae CGMCC0574 whole cells in the enantioselective hydrolysis of ketoprofen ester was initially moderate, it was significantly promoted after the cells were pretreated for a few hours in a buffer containing an alcohol as the modulator. This suggested a possible permeability barrier from the cell membrane against the mass transfer of substrates and/or products. Therefore, the permeabilization of the yeast cells was considered to be favorable for the enzymatic resolution of ketoprofen. 

Meanwhile, the total protein concentration in the supernatant of the treated cell suspension was very low, and no notable activity was detected toward the ethyl ester of ketoprofen. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that 

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