Biotransformation of acetophenone to R-1-phenylethanol with immobilized Pichia capsulata in batch reactor

Biotransformation of acetophenone to R-1-phenylethanol with Pichia capsulata immobilized in Caalginate gel beads was studied. Experiments were carried out in a batch reactor stirred on an orbital shaker (300 rpm) at 25 ℃. Based on experimental data, uncoupled parameters of reaction kinetics (measurements with free cells) and diffusion coefficients (sorption method) were estimated. The model expressing the conversion of acetophenone with immobilized cells in the batch reactor consisted of mass balance equations of acetophenone and R-1-phenylethanol in the liquid and solid phases. A satisfactory agreement between the experimental and predicted values of acetophenone and R-1-phenylethanol concentrations was achieved