Metabolism of L-Theanine, D-Theanine and the Related Compounds in Bacteria

Part I. Bacterial and Enzymatic Hydrolysis of L-and D-Isomers of Theanine and Identification of Products

Abstract

Some strains of Pseudomonas was found capable of utilizing L-theanine or D-theanine as a sole nitrogen and carbon source. The cell-free extract catalyzes the hydrolysis of the amide group of the compounds and the hydrolase activity was influenced remarkably by the nitrogen source in the medium. L-Theanine and D-theanine were hydrolyzed to yield stoichiometrically L-glutamic acid and D-glutamic acid, respectively, and ethylamine, which were isolated from the reaction mixture and identified.