• Journal of Life Science
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.794-798
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• 2003

Batch production of (S)-phenyl oxirane was investigated using epoxide hydrolase activity of Rhodosporidium toruloides SJ-4. Effect of reaction condition of asymmetric biohydrolysis of racemic phenyl oxirane was analyzed and optimized by response surface methodology. The optimal conditions of pH, temperature and DMSO cosolvent ratio were 7.4, $34^P\circ}C$, and 2.3%(v/v), respectively. The final yield was enhanced up to 67%, and reaction times required to reach 99% ee (enatiomeric excess) decreased down to 50% by response surface methodology Enantiopure (S)-phenyl oxirane with 100% enantiopurity and 24% yield (theoretical yield = 50%) was obtained from racemic substrate.