L-Phenylacetylcarbinol (L-PAC): biosynthesis and industrial applications

Abstract

L-Phenylacetylcarbinol (L-PAC), an important drug intermediate, can be produced by biotransformation of benzaldehyde, mainly by yeast cultures but also by Zymomonas mobilis. The biotransformation by free cells, immobilized cells, mutant organisms, purified pyruvate decarboxylase as well as the use of bioreactors, the downstream processing of L-PAC and the industrial applications have been reviewed.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]