Identification of Fungal Limonene-3-Hydroxylase for Biotechnological Menthol Production

(−)-Menthol is an important flavor and fragrance compound and furthermore has medicinal uses. To realize a two-step synthesis starting from renewable (+)-limonene, a regioselective limonene-3-hydroxylase enzyme is necessary. We identified enzymes from two different fungi which catalyze this hydroxylation reaction and represent an important module for the development of a biotechnological process for (−)-menthol production from renewable (+)-limonene.