Use of Citrobacter koseri whole cells for the production of arabinonucleosides: A larger scale approach

► C. koseri cells catalyzed the transglycosylation of arabinonucleosides. ► Fludarabine, vidarabine and diaminopurine arabinoside were obtained in good yields. ► Different entrapment immobilizations and reactor configurations were assayed. ► C. koseri immobilized in agarose could be used up to 68 times. ► 150 mL scale reaction afforded vidarabine in 71.2% yield.