Process for production of 2-phenylethanol by a selected Acinetobacter soli strain and uses thereof

The present invention relates to a process of naturally producing 2-PE by using Acinetobacter soli bacterium. For this purpose, A. soli strains selected from environmental isolates were cultured in a bioreactor under average fermentation conditions. A. soli strain ANG 344B (Accession Number 1593) is particularly able to improve the production of 2-PE resulting in high yields of said compound. This compound is responsible for the scent of roses having a high commercial price when compared with the synthetically produced compound. It can be used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors as organoleptic enhancer, antibacterial and antifungal agent. Moreover, 2-PE is also a valuable alcohol that can be used as a next generation biofuel, and as a raw material for its derivatives in pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. Therefore, the present invention is in the field of microbiology, chemistry and biotechnology and has application in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and fuel industries