Lipase-catalyzed organic reactions have widely been practiced in the past three decades. In addition to its wide acceptance in conventional reactions such as hydrolysis, transesterification, and enantiopure synthesis (kinetic resolution and dynamic kinetic resolution) several reports on the catalytic promiscuity of lipases have also been published. The concept of promiscuity, where lipase catalyzes reactions beyond its natural function, has been perceived as a useful phenomenon which can enhance the utility of lipase as a biocatalyst. Many useful organic reactions such as Aldol condensation, Hantzsch reaction, Canizzaro reaction, Mannich reaction, Baylis-Hillman reaction, Knoevenagel condensation, Michael addition, Ugi reaction, and oxidation catalyzed by lipases have surfaced in the literature. The current review is a critical compilation of such research findings to put forth the synthetic applications of lipase, beyond the orthodox biocatalytic toolbox.

HighlightsMedium optimization for MPA production using P. brevicompactum by one-factor-at-a-time and CCD methods.CCD afforded a 40% higher MPA titer than one-factor-at-a-time method.The titer was nearly 6-fold higher compared to un-optimized medium.

Abstract. Novel electrically conducting composite materials consisting of poly(aniline) (PANI) nanoparticles dispersed in a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-g-poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) hydrogels were prepared within the polymer matrix by in situ polymerization of aniline. The conversion yield of aniline into PANI particles was determined gravimetrically while structural confirmation of the synthesized polymer was sought by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), UV-visible analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Morphology and dimension of PANI particles embedded into the colored optically semi-transparent hydrogels were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. Electrical conductivity of composite hydrogels of different composition was determined by LCR meter while electroactive behavior of composite hydrogels swollen in electrolyte solution was investigated by Effective Bend Angle (EBA) measurements.

Novel electrically conducting and biocompatible composite hydrogel materials comprising of poly (aniline) (PANI) nanoparticles dispersed in a poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) -g-poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) matrix were prepared by in situ polymerization of aniline. The prepared ionic hydrogels were evaluated for their water uptake capacity in distilled water. While structural insights into the synthesized polymer was sought by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques, morphology and dimension of PANI particles embedded into the colored optically semi-transparent polymer films were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis and Transmittance Electron Microscopy (TEM) while thermal behavior of composite hydrogel was investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Electrical conductivity of composite hydrogels containing different PANI percentage was determined by LCR. Considering the potential of electrically conductive nanocomposites materials in biomedical applications the in vitro blood compatibility of nanocomposites was investigated by employing several in vitro tests.

Solid-state fermentation using the microfungus Penicillium brevicompactum for the production of mycophenolic acid is reported in this paper. Of the initial substrates tested (whole wheat, cracked wheat, long grain Basmati rice, and short grain Parmal rice), Parmal rice proved to be the best. Under initial conditions, using steamed Parmal rice with 80% (w/w) initial moisture content, a maximum mycophenolic acid concentration of 3.4 g/kg substrate was achieved in 12 days of fermentation at 25 °C. The above substrate was supplemented with the following additional nutrients (g/L packed substrate): glucose 40.0, peptone 54.0, KHPO 8.0, MgSO4⋅7HO 2.0, glycine 7.0, and methionine 1.65 (initial pH 5.0). A small amount of a specified trace element solution was also added. The final mycophenolic acid concentration was increased to nearly 4 g/kg substrate by replacing glucose with molasses. Replacing Parmal rice with rice bran as substrate further improved the mycophenolic acid production to nearly 4.5 g/kg substrate.

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In this work, densities have been measured for glycine in aqueous solutions of (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.04) mol·kg–1 sulfanilamide, sulfanilic acid, and sulfosalicylic acid dihydrate at temperatures from (288.15 to 308.15) K, using vibrating tube digital densimeter. These solution densities were used to calculate the partial molar volume values at infinite dilution, V ϕ ∞, for the glycine. The calculated parameters are used to interpret the solute–solute and solute–solvent interactions and structure making/breaking ability of the amino acid in the given aqueous sulfa drug solution.

The present study exhibits a facile method for the expeditious synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid nanoassemblies. Pseudomonas fluorescens lipase was immobilized on the nanoassembly and its application as a nanobiocatalyst was demonstrated. Scanning electron microscopy analysis depicted petal-like morphology of the newly synthesized hybrid. The sonochemical method screened as a faster route for the synthesis of hybrid nanopetals with a marked increase in enzyme activity (15 folds). Furthermore, an additional treat-ment of the hybrid nanopetals with chemical modifiers likes 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC) exhibited improved stability and reusability upto six cycles. A systematic investigation of the reaction parameters influencing the formation of lipase-embedded hybrid nanopetals was done. In addition, the nanobiocatalytic potential of hybrid nanopetals was explored in the kinetic resolution of racemic secondary alcohols.