Biosynthesis of 2H-labeled phenylalanine by a new methylotrophic mutant Brevibacterium methylicum

The biosynthesis of 2H-labeled phenylalanine was done by converse of low molecular weight substrates in a new RuMP facultative methylotrophic mutant Brevibacterium methylicum. To make the process work, adapted cells with improved growth characteristics were used on minimal medium M9 with the maximum content of 2H-labeled substrates. Alanine, valine, and leucine/isoleucine wee produced and accumulated exogenously in addition to the main product of biosynthesis. Electron impact mass spectrometry of methyl esters of the N-Dns-amino acid mixture obtained after the chemical derivatization of growth medium with densyl chloride and diazomethane, was done to calculate the deuterium enrichment of the amino acids synthesized. The experimental data testified to the character of labeling of amino acid molecules as heterogeneous; however, high levels of deuterium enrichment were detected in all presented molecules-for phenylalanine the enrichment was six, leucine/isoleucine-five, valine-five, an