Biotechnological applications of penicillin acylases: state-of-the-art

Abstract

This review describes the most recent developments in the biotechnological applications of penicillin acylases. This group of enzymes is involved mainly in the industrial production of 6-aminopenicillanic acid and the synthesis of semisynthetic beta-lactam antibiotics. In addition, penicillin acylases can also be employed in other useful biotransformations, such as peptide synthesis and the resolution of racemic mixtures of chiral compounds. Particular emphasis is placed on advances in detection of new enzyme specificities towards other natural penicillins, enzyme immobilization, and optimization of enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis and synthesis in the presence of organic solvents.

Model-based experimental analysis of enzyme kinetics in aqueous–organic biphasic systems

“…Although PA has intensively been studied due to this industrial importance (e.g. Alkema et al, 2000, Arroyo et al, 2003, Giordano et al, 2006, Kheirolomoom et al, 2001, published parameter estimates vary drastically (Alkema et al, 1999). To investigate if such deviations may be caused by using different analysis approaches, PA was chosen for the comparison of the computer programs.…”

Stabilization of penicillin G acylase by immobilization on glutaraldehyde-activated chitosan

“…It catalyses the deacylation of penicillin G to produce 6 -aminopenicillanic acid, an important intermediate in the manufacture of β-lactam antibiotics (Bianchi et al, 1996). Moreover, biotechnological processes for the large-scale production of synthetic antibiotics are focused on the condensation of the appropriate D-amino acid derivative with the β-lactam ring catalysed by penicillin G acylase (Arroyo et al, 2003).…”

Three-dimensional structures of enzymes useful for ?-lactam antibiotic production

“…Two different enzymes -penicillin G acylase (PGA) and penicillin V acylase (PVA) -are currently used, of which PGA from Escherichia coli is the most important. Together, these enzymes are responsible for the production of thousands of tons of 6-APA annually [2]. PGA ( Figure 3) is a member of the Ntn hydrolase family, members of which share a typical fold of a double layer of b sheets, sandwiched between a helices.…”