Optimization of reaction conditions and stabilization of phenylalanine ammonia lyase-containing Rhodotorula glutinis cells during bioconversion of trans-cinnamic acid to L-phenylalanine

Studies were performed to elucidate the optimal reaction conditions (pH, temperature, ammonia concentration and biocatalyst loading) for bioconversion of trans-cinnamic acid (t-CA) to L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) by L-phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) containing Rhodotorula glutinis cells. All treatments with permeabilizing agents stimulated L-Phe production and also enhanced instability of the catalyst, except Triton X-100 which gave a superior (56%) increase in conversion as compared to the control and a significant stabilization of PAL enzyme. Inclusion of several activity modifiers and stabilizer additives in reaction mixtures were shown to enhance the yield of L-Phe and maintained PAL stability over several successive incubations during the bioconversion process. Maximum stabilization of PAL and enhancement of L-Phe production was achieved with addition of 20% polyhydric alcohol (glycerol). The production of L-Phe continued to the fifth cycle and the total yield increased 2.3 times compared to the yield produced by the control (without glycerol addition) during the repeated batch process. Reducing agents such as 2-mercaptoethanol and thioglycolic acid were added to the bioconversion mixture in order to reduce the effects of oxygen on PAL catalyst life. Production of L-Phe by addition of 400 mgL(-1) of thioglycolic acid was maximized over the control by 55%. When both 20% glycerol and 400 mgL(-1) thioglycolic acid were simultaneously present in the reaction mixture, reuseability and stability of biocatalyst (PAL) were extended to eight consecutive cycles and conversion rate and overall productivity of L-Phe were higher than that of the control. These results may lead to improvements in the production of the essential amino acid L-Phe.