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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2001  > November  >
In the Laboratory
Biocatalytic Lactone Generation in Genetically Engineered Escherichia coli and Identification of Products by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy
Chad Slawson and Robert Potter
Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620

Jon Stewart
Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 33620
Cover
November 2001
Vol. 78 No. 11
p. 1533
Abstract
Genetically altered Escherichia coli are used as biocatalysts to produce optically pure lactones from a variety of cyclic ketones as a biotechnology experiment for a biochemistry laboratory. The genetically engineered E. coli bacteria express large amounts of the enzyme cyclohexanone monooxygenase and are therefor capable of converting a variety of ketones into optically pure lactones. Separation by organic extraction and analysis by thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy allows for the direct identification of products. Yield calculations and evaluation of the cost effectiveness of various substrates give students an opportunity to make recommendations and model industrial decision-making. Evaluation of the synthetic process for its environmental impact allows students to consider problems of cost versus environmental concerns. Use of bacterial biocatalysts offers chemistry students an opportunity to work with microorganisms and directly see the utility of genetically altered bacteria for synthetic chemistry.
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*  Citation
 Slawson, Chad; Stewart, Jon; Potter, Robert. J. Chem. Educ. 2001 78 1533.
*  Keywords
 Biochemistry; Bioorganic Chemistry; Biotechnology; Catalysis; Laboratory Instruction; Mass Spectrometry
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 October 8, 2001
August 31, 2005
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