Biocatalytic transformation of furfural into furfuryl alcohol using resting cells of Bacillus cereus

The bioconversion of furfural to furfuryl alcohol is an attractive route in biomass valorization that could replace traditional contaminant methods. The use of whole cells has been explored for this purpose. Bacillus cereus without previous treatment with furanic compounds was used to selectively obtain furfuryl alcohol. Growing and resting cells were employed. Using growing cells of B. cereus, lower yields to alcohol were obtained because of furfural toxicity. However, employing resting cells it was possible to reach higher yields to furfuryl alcohol. Optimal operative conditions were studied: different concentrations of furfural, glucose and molybdenum, pH, and temperature. Thus, glucose (100 mM) and molybdenum (0.1 mM) were added to maintain cell biomass obtaining a yield to furfuryl alcohol close to 80% at 30 °C, pH 7.2 from 30 mM of furfural.