Optimization of Serratia marcescens lipase production for enantioselective hydrolysis of 3-phenylglycidic acid ester

Lipase production and cell growth of Serratia marcescens ECU1010 were optimized in shake flasks, with lipase production being enhanced 9.5-fold (4,780 U/l) compared with the initial activity (500 U/l). Optimal carbon and nitrogen sources were Tween-80 and peptone, and the optimal ratio of Tween-80 to peptone was 1:3. The optimized cultivation conditions were 25degreesC and pH 6.5. Lipase activity, particularly specific activity, could be improved by decreasing the cultivation temperature from 35 to 25degreesC. Enzyme stability was significantly improved by simple immobilization with synthetic adsorption resin no. 8244. After five reaction cycles, enzyme activity decreased only very slightly, while enantioselectivity of the preparation remained constant, and the ee(s) (enantiomeric excess of the remaining substrate) achieved in all cases was higher than 97%. The resin-8244-lipase preparation can be used for efficient enantioselective hydrolysis of trans-3-(4'-methoxyphenyl)glycidic acid methyl ester [(+/-)MPGM], a key intermediate in the synthesis of Diltiazem.