Kinetic resolution of amines by (R)-selective omega-transaminase from Mycobacterium vanbaalenii

Recently (R)-selective ω-transaminase ((R)-ω-TAMV) from Mycobacterium vanbaalenii was discovered and utilized for the asymmetric synthesis of (R)-amines from its corresponding ketones. In this study, (R)-ω-TAMV was used for the kinetic resolution of racemic amines to produce (S)-amines. (R)-ω-TAMV showed very low product inhibition by ketone product (acetophenone), which is beneficial for carrying out the kinetic resolution of racemic amines with high concentration. 100 mM racemic amines were successfully resolved into (S)-amines (>99% ee) by (R)-ω-TAMV with pyruvate. In addition, the kinetic resolution of α-MBA was successfully carried out by using acetone as an amino acceptor which is cheaper than pyruvate.