A Biocatalytic Cascade Reaction to Access a Valuable Long‐Chain ω‐Hydroxy Fatty Acid

Environmentally‐friendly processes for the manufacturing of valuable industrial compounds like ω‐hydroxy fatty acids (ω‐OHFAs) are highly desirable. Herein, we present such an approach by establishing a two‐step enzymatic cascade reaction for the production of 2,15,16‐trihydroxy hexadecanoic acid (THA). Starting with the easily accessible natural compound ustilagic acid (UA) that is secreted by the corn smut fungus Ustilago maydis, the recombinantly expressed esterase BS2 from Bacillus subtilis and the commercial β‐glucosidase from almonds were applied yielding 86 % product. Both hydrolases do not require expensive cofactors, making the process economically attractive. Additionally, no harmful solvents are required, so that the product THA can be labelled natural to be used in food and cosmetic products. Natural production: A two‐step enzymatic cascade reaction was established to obtain a valuable ω‐hydroxy fatty acid for industrial applications, the 2,15,16‐trihydroxy hexadecanoic acid (THA). Starting with the easily accessible natural compound ustilagic acid, the recombinantly expressed esterase BS2 from Bacillus subtilis and the commercial β‐glucosidase from almonds were applied yielding 86 % conversion.