Dr Osama Mahmoud and Dr Thomas Daussmann of Enzymaster explore the role of engineered biocatalysts in the production of ncAAs for pharmaceutical applications *
Biocatalysts for efficient synthesis of non-canonical amino acids
Dr Osama Mahmoud and Dr Thomas Daussmann of Enzymaster explore the role of engineered biocatalysts in the production of ncAAs for pharmaceutical applications *
Biocatalysis , the utilisation of natural catalysts , such as enzymes , for chemical reactions offers several advantages over traditional chemical synthesis methods . One of its primary benefits is the specificity of enzymatic reactions , which often results in fewer by-products and higher yields of the desired product .
This specificity aligns with the principles of Green Chemistry , promoting more sustainable practices by reducing waste and energy consumption . Additionally , biocatalysis can operate under milder conditions , such as ambient temperatures and atmospheric pressure , conserving energy and minimising the risk of the hazardous reactions typically associated with chemical synthesis .
In the context of producing non-canonical amino acids ( ncAAs ), biocatalysis provides unique advantages . ncAAs are becoming increasingly important in pharmaceutical development , particularly for synthesising peptides and proteins with enhanced properties , such as improved stability or bioactivity .
Enzymes engineered to efficiently catalyse the production of ncAAs or their incorporation into peptides enable the creation of novel therapeutic agents that may be inaccessible through traditional synthesis methods . For example , various enzyme classes , including transaminases , decarboxylases and ligases , have been identified as effective in ncAA production . These enzymes facilitate obtaining amino acids with diverse functional groups , thereby expanding the repertoire of available building blocks for drug development .
The production of ncAAs through biocatalysis is not limited to basic amino acid structures but extends to more complex derivatives , which can be utilised in APIs . For instance , ncAAs can be incorporated into peptide-based drugs to enhance their pharmacological properties , enabling the development of more effective treatments for diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders . Furthermore , the environmentally a
b
Figure 1 - Reactions catalysed by β-subunit of tryptophan synthase towards canonical ( a ) & non-canonical ( b ) amino acids
32 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981