Development of a Corynebacterium glutamicum bio-factory for self-sufficient transaminase reactions

Abstract

The development of biocatalytic routes for the synthesis of chiral amines starting from achiral building blocks is highly desirable. Here, we report a self-sufficient whole-cell system for the conversion of a model ketone to the corresponding cyclic imine, in good isolated yield (42%) and excellent enantioselectivity (>99% ee). The Corynebacterium glutamicum host produces the transaminase biocatalyst, cofactor and ‘smart’ amine donor (cadaverine or putrescine) in vivo, and highlights the potential for producing high-value chemicals from readily available building blocks. The report represents the first example of the application of a metabolically engineered organism for the production of smart diamine donors and their application in a transaminase biotransformation.