Efficient mediator-independent hydrogenation of carbon-carbon double bonds, using the obligate anaerobe, Acetobacterium woodii, with fructose as an electron donor

Fructose and H 2 were compared as electron donors for hydrogenation of carbon-carbon double bonds using Acetobacter woodii. Caffeate was used as a model substrate. An electron donor was required and both fructose and H 2 were suitable. With fructose as the donor, the K(s) for caffeate was 0.5 mM and the V(max) was 678 mmol kg(dry weight) -1 h -1. Fructose oxidation was coupled very efficiently to caffeate reduction by an alteration in the fructose fermentation so that acetate was no longer produced.