[Asymmetric biosynthesis of chiral styrene oxide].

Used styrene as the sole carbon and energy source, 12 strains of aerobic bacterial and two strains of fungi were screened from a series soil samples. These strains were able to convert styrene to styrene oxide. HPLC and chiral GC method were used for determination the substrate, product and e.e value of culture broth. There were obvious effect on the biomass and epoxidase activity under various conditions in the fermentation. Styrene epoxidation of the strain PS-1206 was studied in different reaction time. 35% of conversion yield and 80% e.e value of (R)-styrene oxide could been obtained at the optimum conditions.