Industrial Biotransformations

Glutaryl amidase
Escherichia coli
● In the first step the zinc salt of cephalosporin C (ZnCPC) is produced, followed by the protection
of the functional groups (NH 2 and COOH) with trimethylchlorosilane. The imide chloride
is synthesized in the subsequent step at 0 °C with phosphorous pentachloride. Hydrolysis of
the imide chloride yields 7-ACA. By replacement of this synthesis with the biotransformation
the usage of heavy-metal salts (ZnCl 2), chlorinated hydrocarbons and precautions for highly
flammable compounds can be circumvented. For every tonne of 7-ACA produced, the wastegas
emission is reduced from 7.5 to 1.0 kg. Mother liquors requiring incineration are reduced
from 29 to 0.3 t. Residual zinc that is recovered as Zn(NH 4)PO 4 is completely reused, consumption
is reduced from 1.8 to 0 t.
● The absolute costs of environmental protection are reduced by 90 % per ton of 7-ACA.
3) Flow scheme
Fig. 3.1.1.41 – 3
4) Process parameters
reactor type: batch
reactor volume: 10,000 L
capacity: 200 t · a –1
residence time: 1.5 h
down stream processing: crystallization
enzyme supplier: Sanofi Aventis, France
start-up date: 1996
production site: Sanofi Aventis, Germany
company: Sanofi Aventis, France
5) Product application
● 7-ACA is an intermediate for semi-synthetic cephalosporins.
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EC 3.1.1.41