Talaromyces flavus containing a constitutive epoxide hydrolase (EH) resolved racemic benzyl glycidyl ether and nine derivatives into their (R)-enantiomers. After optimization of the fermentation conditions, the specific EH activity and biomass concentration were improved from 13.5 U/g DCW and 14.8 g DCW/l to 26.2 U/g DCW and 31.3 g DCW/l, respectively, with final values for e.e. ( s ) of 96 % and E of 13 with (R)-benzyl glycidyl ether. Substituents on the phenyl ring, however, gave low enantioselectivities.
