Biocatalysis and Flow Chemistry: Artificial Cell Factories

Abstract

Our research focusses on highly sustainable enzymatic methods for the preparation of valuable molecules, spanning from pharmaceuticals, to small chiral intermediates, to flavours and perfumes. Specifically, we aim at developing strategies which will rapidly bridge the gap between academic discovery and industrial implementation. The use of enzymes in industrial processes is becoming more prominent and there is a need to combine the advantages of biocatalysis with high productivity to make it truly attractive. We have been among the pioneers of a new wave of research in the field of flow biocatalysis: whole cells expressing biocatalysts and cell-free systems have been developed by us and others in continuous systems for the preparation of valuable products. Continuous flow biocatalysis is the state of the art in continuous processing and is showing new exceptional properties of enzymes specially for what concerns their efficiency and long-lasting reusability. Here we report on the recent progress in the field by our research group.