Microbial transformation of quinic acid to shikimic acid by Bacillus megaterium

Abstract Background Biotransformation of quinic acid to shikimic acid was attempted using whole cells of Bacillus megaterium as a biocatalyst. Results Physico-chemical parameters such as temperature (37°C), pH (7.0), agitation (200 rpm), substrate (5 mM) and cell mass concentrations (200 kg/m 3) and reaction time (3 h) were found optimum to enhance the bioconversion. Maximum conversion (89%) of quinic acid to shikimic acid was achieved using the above optimized parameters. Shikimic acid was extracted from the reaction mixture by a pH-dependent method and maximum recovery (76%) was obtained with petroleum ether. Conclusions Biotransformation of quinic acid to shikimic acid seems to be a better alternative over its fermentative production.