Novel synthetic pathway for methyl 3-hydroxybutyrate from b-hydroxybutyric acid and methanol by enzymatic esterification

M3HB (Methyl 3-hydroxybutyrate), known as an alternative energy source for cells with impaired meta-bolic function, has recently been reported to have therapeutic effects on Alzheimer's disease and inhibi-tion of apoptosis. In this study, the enzymatic conversion of M3HB from methanol and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) by lipase-catalyzed esterification was performed for the first time. The reac-tion conditions for maximum M3HB conversion were as follows: Novozym 435, 15 g/L; BHB:methanol molar ratio, 1:2; reaction temperature, 40 degrees C; and organic solvent, chloroform. The lipase-based M3HB synthesis achieved about 94.6% conversion through a step-by-step optimization, and is expected to con-tribute to future bioindustry applications. CO 2023 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study demonstrated the enzymatic conversion of M3HB from methanol and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) through lipase-catalyzed esterification, achieving a conversion rate of 94.6%. The developed lipase-based synthesis method for M3HB holds potential for future applications in the bioindustry.