Biotransformation of limonene by marine bacteria

D-Limonene was effectively biotransformed by marine bacteria, Vibrio cholerae, Listonella damsela and Vibrio alginolyticus which collected from the Daya Bay of the South China Sea. These bacterial strains were fermented in the liquid medium 2216E, D- limonene was distributed among the culture flasks (200 mg/L). The flasks were incubated at 28 degrees C on a rotary shaker (r/min = 120) for 5 days. On completion, the culture broth were successively extracted with EtOAc. The extract was quantitatively measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The results showed that biocatalytic reactions were comprised of oxidation, including hydroxylation and ketonization which occurred at different positions of the D-limonene, as well as hydrogenation, hydrolyzation, esterification and cyclic cleavage. These bacteria strains possess the distinctive biocatalytic capacities towards the D-limonene. A series of terpenoids, including sesqui-, di- and tri terpenoids were also observed, which was accounted for D-limonene had influence on the metabolites of marine bacteria. Biotransformation is a valuable tool, with the advantages of the simple manipulation, working under mild reaction conditions, high efficiency, being reaction-, regio-, and stereoselective, and friendly. Microorganisms biotransformation definitely represents a new powerful approach to the development and the utilization of monoterpene, the abundant natural resource and provides the endless opportunities to obtain some significant compounds which can be used in the fields of medicine, organic synthesis and fine chemistry.