A novel approach to biotransformations in aqueous-organic two-phase systems: enzymatic synthesis of alkyl beta-[D]-glucosides using microencapsulated beta-glucosidase.

A novel approach to enzymatic biotransformations in aqueous-organic two-phase systems was developed where the aqueous phase was contained within permeable polymeric capsules suspended in organic solvent. Microencapsulated beta-glucosidase, used as a model enzyme, was shown to retain its catalytic activity for a considerable time and was repeatedly used in batch experiments after recharging the microcapsules with solid glucose. The reaction conditions for the synthesis of hexyl beta-[D]-glucopyranoside were optimized with regard to the polymer composition of the microcapsules, pH, and the volume ratio of aqueous to organic phases. The potential for further improvement in the efficiency of the system was demonstrated by designing a bioreactor which incorporated units for product recovery and recycling of the organic solvent. Other advantages of the proposed methodology include facile control over the size and composition of the microcapsules, and mild reaction conditions during their preparation. Copyright 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.