Stereoselective oxidation of alcohols using whole cells of Rhizomucor miehei CECT 2749

The oxidation of hydrophobic secondary alcohols catalyzed by immobilized whole cells of Rhizomucor miehei CECT 2749 is described for the first time. The biotransformation was performed with the fungus as resting cells and as immobilized catalyst using agarose and agars from different algae genera as matrix. The immobilized biocatalyst shows specificity in the oxidation of de S enantiomer of 1-(2-furyl)-ethanol and in the oxidation of iso-menthol, while R-furylethanol (+)-menthol and neo-menthol were not oxidized.