abstract |
The present invention relates to a novel process for the production of oxoisophorones via biocatalytic conversion of isophorones, in particular a one-pot biocatalytic system for the conversion of α-isophorone in a two-step oxidation process, wherein the first One oxidation is catalyzed by a heme-containing oxidoreductase, such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, followed by another oxidation, which may be a chemical reaction or a biocatalytic reaction, particularly where the oxidation is catalyzed by NAD (P) or NADP(H)-dependent oxidoreductase catalysis. The invention also provides polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding cytochrome P450 monooxygenases having improved (higher) substrate selectivity, overall turnover number and/or activity (reactivity) compared to the wild-type enzyme. Oxyisophorones are useful as building blocks in the synthesis of vitamins and carotenoids. |