Production of methoxyphenol-type natural aroma chemicals by biotransformation of eugenol with a new Pseudomonas sp.

In our screening program for microorganisms that are able to metabolize eugenol, the main component of the essential oil of the clove tree Syzigium aromaticum (sy. Eugenia cariophyllus), we found a new Pseudomonas sp. that produces several substituted methoxyphenols when eugenol is fed to the culture. A taxonomic characterization of this new organism has been performed. Examples of the biotransformation products, produced in high amounts, were vanillic acid with 3.25 g/l within 99 h, ferulic acid with 5.8 g/l within 75 h and coniferyl alcohol with 3.22 g/l within 47.5 h. By changing the culture conditions the ratio of the different metabolites could be varied. Based on these results a scheme for the degradation of eugenol by this strain has been established. Received: 1 April 1996 / Received revision: 24 June 1996 / Accepted: 1 July 1996