Regioselective biotransformation of valencene in cell suspension cultures of Citrus sp.

Three out of five cultivars of citrus species tested convert exogenous valencene via the 2-hydroxy-derivative (nootkatol) to nootkatone. The effect of various valencene concentrations and the time course of the biotransformation were examined. The transformation capability of the cells runs parallel with growth up to the middle of the logarithmic phase and remains constant until the carbon source is completely exhausted.