A catalase-peroxidase for oxidation of β-lactams to their (R)-sulfoxides.

In this communication we report for the first time a biocatalytic method for stereoselective oxidation of β-lactams, represented by penicillin-G, penicillin-V and cephalosporin-G to their (R)-sulfoxides. The method involves use of a bacterium, identified as Bacillus pumilis as biocatalyst. The enzyme responsible for oxidase activity has been purified and characterized as catalase-peroxidase (KatG).