One-pot biotransformation of glycerol into serinol catalysed by biocatalytic composites made of whole cells and immobilised enzymes

Biocatalytic cascades afford the development of economically sustainable and green processes. Herein we examined the unprecedented coupling of co-immobilised Gluconobacter oxydans and an isolated transaminase to synthesise serinol from glycerol. Through this approach, we manufactured up to 36 mM serinol, the highest titer ever reported for a non-fermentative biosynthesis. More importantly, similar productivities are obtained starting from the industrial by-product crude glycerol, demonstrating the possibilities of this hybrid heterogenenous biocatalyst for valorising bio-based raw materials.