Fuculose-1-phosphate aldolase (Fuc-1-PA) is a dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) dependent aldolase with potential application in chiral synthesis. The influence of the growth medium on the expression of the enzyme in Escherichia coli has been studied. Complex LB medium, a defined medium (MD) and a semi-complex medium (MSC) have been compared in order to maximize aldolase production. The defined medium produced highest expression levels (700 activity units (AU)/g of dry cell weight (DCW)). The optimal induced isopropyl-beta-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) concentration of 100 muM produces in the MD medium of 41 mumol/g dry cell weight of enzyme. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.