Rational selection of biphasic reaction systems for geranyl glucoside production by Escherichia coli whole-cell biocatalysts.

•Production of E. coli biocatalysts expressing a glucosyltransferse for the glucosylation of geraniol.•Application of a rational selection strategy for choosing non-aqueous phases that sequester the inhibitory geraniol during biotransformation.•Both liquid and solid non-aqueous phases were evaluated.•The fatty acid ester isopropyl myristate emerged as the best choice.•The respective biphasic system significantly increased the product concentration.