Determination of reactor operation for the microbial hydroxylation of toluene in a two-liquid phase process

Application of biotransformations to the synthesis of industrial chemicals is in part limited by a number of process challenges. We discuss the conversion of toxic, poorly water-soluble organic subst~-ates by whole cells, using as an illustrative example the specific hydroxylation of toluene to toluene cis-glycol by Pseudomonas putida UV4. Toxic effects may be eliminated through the introduction of tetradecane, to partition toluene away from the biocatalyst, to give product concentrations of 30~0 g L -~, in a two-liquid-phase reactor. The operational limits of this system have been experimentally determined and are presented in the form of windows of operation.