Sesquiterpene Synthase EC

In the last few years, sesquiterpene synthase from different plants has raised attention. In 2004, Schalk and Clark [88] described a process (patented by Fir-menich, Switzerland) that makes it possible to obtain sesquiterpene synthase and to produce various aliphatic and oxygenated sesquiterpenes from farnesyl diphosphate. For instance, valencene can be obtained in this way. 

One year later, Schalk [89] described a process for cloning sesquiterpene synthases from patchouli plants Pogostemon cablin) and the enzyme-catalysed terpenoid production. Various sesquiterpenes can be obtained by this method, for instance patchoulol and other germacrene-type sesquiterpenes. 

Thanks to the intense research during the last 20 years, flavour biotechnology is an integrated part of industrial aroma production, in which enzyme-catalysed 

The great advantage of enzymes is their stereoselectivity and the ability to produce natural aroma if natural substrates are available. 

Schreier P (1997) In Berger RG (ed) Biotechnology of aroma compounds. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, p 51 

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