Bioconversion of substituted naphthalenes to the corresponding 1,2-dihydro derivatives by Escherichia coli recombinant strains

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(97)01404-4

1,2-dihydroxynaphthalenes are produced by bioconversion of the corresponding hydrocarbons using Escherichia coli recombinant strains containing the naphthalene dioxygenase and dehydrogenase genes cloned from pseudomonas fluorescens N3. Conversions are lead by a two step procedure without isolation of the dihydrodiol intermediate. Conversion rates depend on the position and nature of the naphthalene substituent.