Optimization of the chiral inversion of 2-phenylpropionic acid by Verticillium lecanii

Previous studies have demonstrated that Verticillium lecanii might be used as a microbial model of the inversion of 2-arylpropionic acids in man. This paper describes the optimization of the inversion process in respect of culture medium, pH, cell density and substrate concentration. The study demonstrates that optimum inversion occurs in Sorensen's phosphate buffer at pH 5.5. The extent and rate of inversion were also shown to be dependent on substrate concentration and cell density. This study will form the basis of the development of a microbial model of the metabolism of 2-arylpropionic acids which might be suitable for the in-vitro screening of new compounds in this class.