Scientists investigate the biotransformation of myrcene

Scientists have used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry processes during a study the biotransformation of myrcene by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Dihydrolinalool and terpineol are widely used in the production of perfume, folk medicine and aromatherapy oils as they are a source of fragrance with a volatile terpenoid alcohol of low toxicity.

The investigation, published in the Chemistry Central Journal, focused on the biotransformation of the essential oil myrcene by the cultures Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as previous studies have centred on biotransformation of limonene by Pseudomonas putida.

As a result of the study by scientists Akbar Esmaeili and Elham Hashemi, it was found that myrcene could be converted to dihydrolinalool and 2,6-dimethyloctane in high percentages.

Using methods including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, it was revealed that a three day incubation period was most effective producing 2,6-dimethyloctane (90.0 per cent) and alpha-terpineol (7.7 per cent) and comprising 97.7 per cent, compared to 1.5 days with a total yield of 88.8 per cent.