Efficient synthesis of 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)pyridine using whole-cell biocatalysis

We demonstrate a novel one-pot biocatalytic process for the preparation of a versatile chemical intermediate, 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)pyridine, from naturally-occurring 2,6-lutidine using recombinant microbial whole cells as a catalysts. After scale up, the bioconversion enabled titers exceeding 12 g L−1 with a space–time yield of 0.8g L−1 h−1. This biocatalytic route offers a simpler and more sustainable alternative to multistep organic synthesis protocols.