Asymmetric reduction of ketones with enzymes from acetic acid bacteria

Summary Six strains of acetic acid bacteria were evaluated with respect to their capability to catalyze the stereoselective reduction of ketones. The cells were permeabilized before the bioconversions. The best strains wereGluconobacter oxydans DSM 50049 andAcetobacter aceti DSM 2002. Using either of these two strains it was possible to reduce all 12 ketones to (S)-alcohols with an enantiomeric excess of 94 %. The highest level of enzymatic activity was found inAcetobacter aceti DSM 2002.