Building Blocks

Abstract

This contribution illustrates the versatility of fundamental approaches in industrial biotransformations. The applicability of biotechnology in organic synthesis on an industrial scale is discussed, followed by an overview of historical development and future progress. This chapter depicts three different approaches for the use of biocatalysts in production processes: non-chiral synthesis, asymmetric synthesis, and racemic and dynamic resolution. Applications for whole cells and isolated enzymes as catalysts are introduced. Finally, critical but optimistic conclusions are given.

Modular micro reaction engineering for carboligation catalyzed by benzoylformate decarboxylase

“…Finally, questions regarding the choice of reactor type, catalyst recovery and downstream processing need to be answered [ 3 ]. Commonly accepted advantages of bioprocesses are the high selectivity of most biocatalysts as well as the usually mild reaction conditions, both resulting in low amounts of side products and thus high product quality [ 4 ]. When setting up a bioprocess first of all the catalyst must be selected and characterized with an understanding of kinetics and appropriate reaction conditions.…”

Practical application of different enzymes immobilized on sepabeads

“…Other applications are in the food and feed sector as well as in the paper and textile production [4]. Hydrolases like lipases and cellulases are used as washing agents and in the production of bulk chemicals like surfactants [5] and of fine chemicals [6], whereas lyases like decarboxylases can be used for enantioselective carbon-carbon couplings. These enantioselective reactions are especially important in the synthesis of highprice products like pharmaceuticals [7].…”

Influence of reaction conditions on the enantioselectivity of biocatalyzed C–C bond formations under high pressure conditions

“…The intermolecular condensation of two aldehyde molecules to synthesize 2-hydroxyketones is of high interest as a convenient method for C-C bond formations. Their bifunctional nature (keto-and hydroxy group) and the presence of a stereocenter render them important as building blocks for several pharmaceuticals (Hilterhaus and Liese, 2007;Kara and Liese, 2010). The enzymes involved in the C-C bond formation between two carbonyl groups yielding 2-hydroxyketones rely mainly on the cofactor thiamine diphosphate (ThDP), a derivative of vitamin B 1 Jordan, 2003;Sukumaran and Hanefeld, 2005).…”