| abstract |
Disclosed are microorganisms which are capable of utilizing an N-protected proline derivative of formula (I) in the form of a racemate or an optically active isomer thereof wherein R 1 is - (CH 2) 2 -COOH, or optionally substituted with C 1-4 -alkoxy, aryl or aryloxy and R 2 are hydrogen or = O, as the sole nitrogen source, single carbon source, or single carbon and nitrogen source. These microorganisms can be used in a process for the preparation of N-protected, cyclic or aliphatic D-amino acid derivatives of formula (II) and (V) wherein R 3, R 4 and R 5 are as defined above. |