Biotransformation of (-)-codeinone to (-)-codeine byPapaver somniferum cells immobilized in reticulate polyurethane foam.

Papaver somniferum cells immobilized in reticulate-polyurethane foam biotransformed (-)-codeinone to (-)-codeine. A biotransformation ratio of 79% was found in immobilized cells whereas a ratio of 57% was found in suspended cells. Of the total amount of codeine formed only 12.2% was detected inside the cells, most of the product (87.3%) being released into the medium. When immobilized cells were cultivated in the absence of nitrate, only 40% of the cells remained alive and the biotransformation of codeinone was strongly reduced. When orthophosphate was omitted from the growth medium a bioconversion ratio of 86% was achieved.