Production of (2S,3S)-2,3-butanediol and (3S)-acetoin from glucose using resting cells of Klebsiella pneumonia and Bacillus subtilis

► Production of (2S,3S)-2,3-butanediol and (3S)-acetoin from glucose was feasible. ► Under optimal conditions, 12.5 g l−1 (2S,3S)-2,3-butanediol was produced. ► Stereoisomeric purity of (2S,3S)-2,3-butanediol was 96.9%. ► Under optimal conditions, 56.7 g l−1 (3S)-acetoin was produced. ► Enantiomeric excess of (3S)-acetoin was 96.2%.