Technische Universitaet Dortmund

Evonik Degussa Gmbh

Bruno Buehler

Andreas Schmid

Gabriele Sadowski

Christoph Brandenbusch

Thomas Haas

Harald Haeger

Steffen Schaffer

Martin Roos

Hans-Georg Joerg Hennemann

Andreas Karau

Thorsten Eggert

Markus Poetter

Lars Mathias Blank

Volker Sieber

Peter Welters

Katrin Grammann

Guido Jach

Andrea Weckbecker

Katrin Schullehner

Bernd Lalla

Andreas Mueller

Michael Goernert

Mattijs Kamiel Julsing

Jonathan A Collins

Sjef Cornelissen

Manfred Schrewe

A method processes a stable emulsion having components from whole-cell biotransformations such as cells, soluble cell components, organic solvents and/or water. In this connection, the emulsion, which is stable after the biotransformation, is mixed with further parts of organic phase, and subsequently the mixture is continuously stirred until a catastrophic phase inversion of the emulsion takes place while mixing; subsequently, this phase-inverted mixture is transferred to a settling container, where the phases of the emulsion separate from one another and can be separated from one another.

Method for processing of stable emulsions from whole-cell biotransformations by means of phase inversion

The present invention relates to a cell, which has been genetically modified relative to its wild type, so that in comparison with its wild type it is able to produce more &#x3c9;-aminocarboxylic acids, more &#x3c9;-aminocarboxylic acid esters or more lactams derived from &#x3c9;-aminocarboxylic acids, starting from carboxylic acids or carboxylic acid esters. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for the production of a genetically modified cell, the cells obtainable by this method, a method for the production of &#x3c9;-aminocarboxylic acids, of &#x3c9;-aminocarboxylic acid esters or of lactams derived from &#x3c9;-aminocarboxylic acids, the &#x3c9;-aminocarboxylic acids, &#x3c9;-aminocarboxylic acid esters or lactams derived from &#x3c9;-aminocarboxylic acids obtainable by this method, a method for the production of polyamides based on &#x3c9;-aminocarboxylic acids or based on lactams and the polyamides obtainable by this method.

&#x3c9;-Aminocarboxylic acids, &#x3c9;-aminocarboxylic acid esters, or recombinant cells which produce lactams thereof

The method separates emulsions derived from whole-cell biotransformations, including stable emulsions derived from typical biocatalytic two-phase processes that result with such a biotransformation. A supercritical extraction to obtain the valuable product can follow directly, because of the use of compressed or supercritical gas as the separation agent. It is unimportant whether the valuable product is present in the aqueous or the organic phase. Recycling of the organic phase is possible, since the surfactant cell components decisively responsible for the formation of the stable emulsion can be separated off via sedimentation, because of the treatment. The achieved separation remains in existence even after the gas has gassed out, so that aside from extraction, other methods for product isolation can also follow, if necessary.

Method for processing coalescence-inhibited emulsions from whole-cell biotransformations with compressed or supercritical gases

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Dortmund, Germany

Bruno Buehler