Bioreduction of aldehydes and ketones using Manihot species

A series of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes and ketones were reduced using aqueous plant cell preparations from Manihot esculenta and Manihot dulcis roots. The reduced products were typically obtained in excellent yields (80-96%), and with very good enantiomeric excess (94-98%). Hydrolysis products were observed with esters, while a nitrile and an amide were unreacted, as was vanillin. Preliminary conversion rate studies are reported.