Optimization of reaction conditions using I-optimal design-based model in the asymmetric biorestriction of 2-methyl-1-phenypropan-1-on with Lactobacillus fermentum by35 biocatalyzer

Bioreduction of prochiral ketones provides efficient access to chiral secondary alcohols, which are potentially useful precursors for producing many biologically active compounds and natural products. This biological reduction process can be affected by different parameters when whole-cell biocatalysts such as Lactic Acid Bacteria strains are applied. In this regard, this article proposed an I-optimal design-based model for the asymmetric bioreduction of 2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-1-one to optimize culture parameters such as temperature, pH, incubation time and shaking rate. Lactobacillus fermentum BY35 as a biocatalyst while achieving the highest conversion rate (cr) and enantiyomeric excess (ee). Using the proposed optimization model, the optimum settings and cr and ee values of the four culture parameters were found as follows: pH 6.5, temperature 25 °C, incubation time 38.5 hours, stirring speed 200 rpm, ee value 98.78% and cr value 98.92%. After the validation of the process, the values of cr and ee were found to be >99% and >99%, respectively, while using the optimum operating conditions from the optimization model. Therefore, the results of the optimization model are consistent with the results of the validation experiment. It should also be noted that this article is the first study to optimize culture parameters using the proposed I-optimal design-based model for an asymmetric reduction.