Patent ID: 6090616
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: C12N,C12P

Abstract:
A method for the stereoselective hydrolysis of a mixture of enantiomers of 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one, which comprises contacting the mixture with an enzyme capable of hydrolysing an enantiomer of the bicyclic lactam, 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one, the enzyme having one or more of the following properties:greater than 85% retention of activity after being held at 40.degree.C. for 4 hours or greater than 30% activity after being held at 60.degree. C. for 4 hours;hydrolysis at an initial concentration of 100 g racemic lactam plus 300 ml buffer and continuing to at least 90% hydrolysis of the (+) lactam with less than 5% hydrolysis of the (-) lactam;wherein the enzyme is prepared by culturing a microorganism capable of expressing an enzyme comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2, or a fragment thereof, capable of hydrolysing an enantiomer of the bicyclic lactam, 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one.