The first efficient biocatalytic route for the synthesis of Kojic acid derivatives in aqueous media

Abstract

The first efficient biocatalytic route for the synthesis of kojic acid derivatives was developed in presence of an enzyme. In this process, benzaldehydes, malononitrile and kojic acid were used as starting materials while lipase from Aspergillus niger was the promiscuous biocatalyst giving high conversion (82–95%) of kojic acid derivatives in aqueous medium. The probable enzymatic mechanism is proposed here. The lipase was reused till three consecutive cycles without a significant loss of activity. This efficient bioprocess has potential to replace the existing chemical catalytic processes to produce heterocyclic anti-tyrosinase compounds that prevents hyperpigmentation.

Keywords

• Aspergillus niger
• Lipase
• Biocatalysis
• Kojic acid derivatives