Biomimetic chemical transformations

O., and Zare, R.N. (1999) Chemical transformations in individual ultrasmall biomimetic containers. Science, 283 (5409), 1892-1895. 

This biosynthetic proposal became an indirect evidence by Brown et al. who demonstrated a biogenetically patterned synthesis of CPT and 20-deoxycamptothecin starting from strictosidine/vincoside. The complete route from 44 to racemic CPT has been completed by chemical transformation involving all of the postulated intermediates in the biosynthesis scheme [170]. Other biomimetic synthesis of CPT has also been reported [171]. 

Biomimetic-type synthesis may be defined as the design and execution of laboratory reactions based upon established or presumed biochemical transformations. This implies the development of chemical transformations new to the nonbiological area and the elaboration of elegant total synthesis of various natural product precursors. Efforts in this direction have been conducted by two schools one by E. E. van Tamelen (207) and the other by W. S. Johnson (208,209), both at Stanford University. 

Worobey BL (1989) Nonenzymatic biomimetic oxidation systems theory and application to transformation stndies of environmental chemicals. Handbook Environ Chem 2E 58-110. 

Biorefineries New catalytic pretreatment of plant materials Valorization, pretreatment or disposal of co-products and wastes from biorefinery by catalytic treatments New and/or improved catalytic processes for chemicals production through the integration of the biorefinery concept and products into the existing chemical production chain New advanced catalytic solutions to reduce waste emissions (solid, air and, especially, water) New catalysts to selectively de-oxygenate products from biomass transformation Catalysts to selectively convert chemicals in complex multicomponent feedstocks New biomimetic catalysts able to operate under mild conditions Small catalytic pyrolysis process to produce stabilized oil for further processing in larger plants... 

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