Microorganism screening, biocatalytic

Automated techniques in screening for microorganisms with biocatalytic properties... 

Scientists at Merck have reported a number of biocatalytic routes derived from screening various microorganisms targeted to produce key intermediates that are then combined with chemical reactions to prepare the target molecule. The biocatalytic step was often carried out by necessity as a result of poor chemical yield, low optical purity, or both. 6-Bromo-P-tetralone (2) was reduced to (S)-6-bromo-P-tetralol (3) by the yeast Trichosporon capitatum MY 1890 (Scheme 19.6).79 The tetralol 3 is a key intermediate for the synthesis of MK-0499 (4), a potassium channel blocker. The (S)-P-tetralol 3 was produced in gram quantities with an ee of >99% to support further development of MK-0499. Baker s yeast was tested for its ability to carry out this reduction but showed insignificant product formation. 

Here, we describe several successful examples of the development of chiral technologies using biocatalytic methods. These developments were based on extensive screening of microorganisms, and the consequent discovery of novel enzymes and their functions. 

---