Optical Resolution of Methionine and ε-N-Benzoyl-lysine by Metabolism of Escherichia coli on Phenylacetyl Derivatives

Abstract

Nine strains of Escherichia coli were tested for the metabolic activities on methionine, ε-N-benzoyl-lysine and their phenylacetyl derivatives, and it was observed that Escherichia coli IFO-3470 and IFO-3550 asymmetrically metabolized N-phenylacetyl-DL-methionine and α-N-phenylacetyl-ε-N-benzoyl-DL-lysine to yield L-methionine, ε-N-benzoyl-L-lysine and each corresponding D-form of phenylacetyl derivatives, respectively. The facts indicate the possibility of the resolution of other amino acids involving their analogs by the metabolism of Escherichia coli on phenylacetyl derivatives.