U. Stottmeister, A. Aurich, H. Wilde
Jul 2, 2005
Citations
4
Influential Citations
109
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Journal
Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology
Abstract
Functionalized compounds, which are difficult to produce by classical chemical synthesis, are of special interest as biotechnologically available targets. They represent useful building blocks for subsequent organic syntheses, wherein they can undergo stereoselective or regioselective reactions. “White Biotechnology” (as defined by the European Chemical Industry [http://www.europabio.org/white_biotech.htm], as part of a sustainable “Green Chemistry,”) supports new applications of chemicals produced via biotechnology. Environmental aspects of this interdisciplinary combination include: Use of renewable feedstockOptimization of biotechnological processes by means of: New “high performance” microorganismsOn-line measurement of substrates and products in bioreactorsAlternative product isolation, resulting in higher yields, and lower energy demand In this overview we describe biotechnologically produced pyruvic, 2-oxopentaric and 2-oxohexaric acids as promising new building blocks for synthetic chemistry. In the first part, the microbial formation of 2-oxocarboxylic acids (2-OCAs) in general, and optimization of the fermentation steps required to form pyruvic acid, 2-oxoglutaric acid, and 2-oxo-d-gluconic acid are described, highlighting the fundamental advantages in comparison to chemical syntheses. In the second part, a set of chemical formula schemes demonstrate that 2-OCAs are applicable as building blocks in the chemical synthesis of, e.g., hydrophilic triazines, spiro-connected heterocycles, benzotriazines, and pyranoic amino acids. Finally, some perspectives are discussed.