Fed-batch bioconversion of indene to cis-indandiol

The bioconversion of indene to cis-(1S,2R) indandiol, a key intermediate in the synthesis of Merck’s HIV protease inhibitor, CRIXIVAN™ can be achieved during the growth of a Rhodococcus strain. In a previous study, we reported on the application of multi-parameter flow cytometry for the measurement of indene toxicity to the strain, and found that concentrations up to 0.25g/l of indene (0.037gindene/g dry cell weight) in batch bioconversions did not influence cell physiology.

Using this information, this study reports on the implementation of a single phase indene fed-batch bioconversion. Cytoplasmic membrane (membrane) integrity and membrane polarisation of a large number of cells were measured during such bioconversions using multi-parameter flow cytometry and compared to a control in order to assess any toxic effects of indene feeding.

The results indicate that indene supply at a rate of 0.1g/l/h is feasible without any deleterious effects on cell physiology. The delay in indene metabolism was significantly shorter, with lower concentrations of by-product formation, when it was added to the culture in the stationary phase than when it was added at the beginning of the exponential phase of the fermentation. cis-Indandiol production rates could be enhanced from 20mg/l/h, in a previously reported silicone oil two-liquid phase system, up to 200mg/l/h by a combination of suitable indene feeding rates in the stationary phase and operating with a high biomass concentration to limit the effects of toxicity.

In addition, the yield of cis-indandiol on indene (g/g) was higher at 0.48 in the single phase system compared to 0.20 in the two-liquid phase system. However, the final concentration of cis-indandiol was considerably lower, possibly as a result of higher dehydrogenase activity resulting in an increased transformation of cis-indandiol to 1-keto-2-hydroxy indan.

This study has demonstrated that it is feasible to feed indene directly in the stationary phase of the bioconversion using high biomass concentrations to obtain enhanced cis-indandiol formation rates as well as yields based on indene utilisation compared to a two-phase silicone oil system.