Mathematical Simulating the Biokatalytic Transformation of Methyl Phenyl Sulfide into (R)-Sulfoxide

A mathematical model is proposed for describing the biotransformation of methyl phenyl sulfide to (R)-methyl phenyl sulfoxide by immobilized Gordonia terrae IEGM 136 cells. Kinetic patterns of the biotransformation of methyl phenyl sulfide are determined using experimental data on the initial concentration of sulfide and the amount of biocatalyst. The experimental data are compared to simulations of sulfide biotransformation scaling in a laboratory bioreactor. A mathematical model is developed for describing the biotransformation of methyl phenyl sulfide with repeated use of the biocatalyst. The resulting data can be used for optimizing the biotransformation of a wide range of organic aryl alkyl sulfides to optically active sulfoxides.