Enzymes discovery

The recently developed methodology for enzyme discovery that is based on random DNA isolation and subsequent screening (metagenome mining) is... 

In the last few years new aldolases have emerged as useful biocatalysts in the enantioselective formation of C-C bonds. For instance, the value of enzyme discovery has been illustrated in the synthesis of a precursor for the synthesis of... 

Combining Enzyme Discovery and Evolution to Develop Biocatalysts... 

To make the DERA-catalyzed process commercially attractive, improvements were required in catalyst load, reaction time, and volumetric productivity. We undertook an enzyme discovery program, using a combination of activity- and sequence-based screening, and discovered 15 DERAs that are active in the previously mentioned process. Several of these enzymes had improved catalyst load relative to the benchmark DERA from E. coli. In the first step of our process, our new DERA enzymes catalyze the enantioselective tandem aldol reaction of two equivalents of acetaldehyde with one equivalent of chloroacetaldehyde (Scheme 20.6). Thus, in 1 step a 6-carbon lactol with two stereogenic centers is formed from achiral 2-carbon starting materials. In the second step, the lactol is oxidized to the corresponding lactone 7 with sodium hypochlorite in acetic acid, which is crystallized to an exceptionally high level of purity (99.9% ee, 99.8% de). 

Lorenz, R, Liebeton, K., Niehaus, F., et al. 2003. The impact of non-cultivated biodiversity on enzyme discovery and evolution. Biocatalysis and Biotransformation, 21 87-91. 

ThermoGen ThermoGen, Inc. 2501 Davey Road Woolridge, IL 60517 USA Tel +1 (630) 783-4600 Fax +1 (630) 783-4909 info thermogen.com http //www.thermogen.com Enzyme discovery. Limited enzyme production capacity. Biocatalytical process development. 

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