Production of L-phenylalanine from phenylpyruvate by Paracoccus denitrificans containing aminotransferase activity

To establish an efficient production method for L-phenylalanine, the production of L-phenylalanine from phenylpyruvate by Paracoccus denitrificans pFPr-1 containing aminotransferase activity was investigated. By using intact cells, 0.74 M L-phenylalanine was produced from 0.8 M phenylpyruvate (conversion yield, 92.5%). Moreover, by using immobilized cells with Kappa -carrageenan, when the space velocity was 0.1 h super(-1) at 30 degree C, 0.135 M L-phenylalanine was produced from 0.15 M phenylpyruvate (conversion yield, 90%). The half-life of the L-phenylalanine-forming activity of the column was estimated to be about 30 days at 30 degree C.