Biotransformation of Oleic Acid byMicrococcus luteusCells

We isolated bacterial strains tolerant to high concentrations of oleic acid from soil samples, and studied biotransformation of fatty acids with the bacteria. We found that a strain BL0–3 identified as Micrococcus luteus metabolized oleic acid to 10-hydroxystearic acid, 10-oxostearic acid, and 4-oxolauric acid. Palmitoleic acid and myristoleic acid also served as substrates in the biotransformation, and 10-oxopalmitic acid and 10-oxomyristic acid were produced, respectively. The formation of 4-oxolauric acid from oleic acid was inhibited by compounds which inhibit β-oxidation of fatty acids.