Abstract

New process for L-isoleucine production. Process Biochem. 24: 60-61. 1989. M. Terasawa, N. Kakinuma, K. Shikata and H. Yukawa.

A new process for L-isoleucine production using viable cells of Brevibacterium flavum AB-07 was optimised using ethanol as energy source and DL-alpha-aminobutyric acid (alpha-AB) as precursor. This process differs from the usual fermentation method since non-growing cells are used, the production ofL-isoleucine was carried out under conditions of repressed cell division and growth. The reaction mixture was a minimal medium without the essential growth factor, biotin. The productivity of L-isoleucine was about 5000 micro mole per hour. The cells could be re-used at least for four times without a decrease in activity. Ethanol consumption per unit of L-isoleucine production in this process (LCR process) was less than that in fermentation since ethanol was not consumed for cell growth.

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