Screening of microorganism capable of transforming β-pinene to α-pinene from Ferula galbanum Boiss and galbanum gum

In the present study, microorganisms were isolated by screening methods from Ferula galbanum Boiss, galbanum gum and surrounding terpene soaked soils which are nature source of oily ethers. Twenty four microorganisms (15 fungi, 9 bacteria) were isolated. Microorganisms were tested for their ability to produce α-pinene in the present β-pinene. The biotransformation medium involved, 100 ml buffer phosphate (Na2HPO4, NaH2PO4), pH 6, 100 μl β-pinene, and 1g biomass, 37 º C, 150rpm and 22 h. Biotransformation products were extracted with n-hexan and analyzed by gas chromatography. One bacterial isolated capable of forming β-pinene to α-pinene. The growing conditions i.e. carbon source and nitrogen source were optimized.The maximum cell density were 33.59 g l-' and 40.44 gl-1 in presence of 30 g l-' glycerin as carbon source and 7 gl-1 urea as nitrogen source, respectively.The biotransformation rate was improved under optimal conditions.The maximum α-pinene were formed as 0.133% and 0.205 % with 20 g l-' glycerin and 7 g l-' urea were applied as carbon and nitrogen sourses, respectively.