Oxidation of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes to carboxylic acids by Geotrichum candidum aldehyde dehydrogenase

Oxidation reaction is one of the most important and indispensable organic reactions, so that green and sustainable catalysts for oxidation are necessary to be developed. Herein, biocatalytic oxidation of aldehydes was investigated, resulted in the synthesis of both aromatic and aliphatic carboxylic acids using a Geotrichum candidum aldehyde dehydrogenase (GcALDH). Moreover, selective oxidation of dialdehydes to aldehydic acids by GcALDH was also successful. [Display omitted] •An enzyme, Geotrichum candidum aldehyde dehydrogenase (GcALDH), was overexpressed.•GcALDH was used for oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids for the first time.•Dialdehydes were oxidized to aldehydic acids without further oxidation to diacids.•Regioselectivities for oxidation of dialdehydes to aldehydic acids were excellent.•Preparative scale reactions were performed successfully.