Using nature ’ s toolbox to replace chemically challenging reactions with sustainable synthesis
David Schönauer , CEO and founder of Aminoverse , shares insights on how to integrate biocatalysis into the synthesis of oxygenated products
Globally , the chemical industry faces a growing demand for more sustainable products . Ideally , the entire synthesis route from renewable starting materials to finished product meets new environmental standards , while minimising side-product formation and ( toxic ) waste streams .
At the same time , the fierce competition within the market and the tense economic situation toughen the challenge of meeting economic targets , especially since innovative pharmaceutical assets like PROTACs and ground-breaking antibiotics keep increasing in chemical complexity .
Nature ’ s solution for a more ecological , economical and innovative manufacturing is the integration of biocatalysis . This word describes a chemical transformation using an organic catalyst called a biocatalyst , proteins that are chemically active and thus able to replace chemical and inorganic catalysts .
Optimised over millions of years of evolution , biocatalysts show optimal performance under physiological conditions , i . e . in aqueous solutions , at ambient temperature and ambient pressure . They are biodegradable and as such offer ways to catalyse chemistry in a non-hazardous and non-toxic way .
Another key advantage of biocatalysts compared to inorganic catalysts is their inherent specificity , which makes them ideal for regioand stereoselective modifications . Thus , biocatalysis offers an attractive alternative to traditional chemistry , especially when precise and environmentally friendly reactions are desired .
Figure 1 - Reaction scheme , substrates & reactions of UPOs .
Biocatalytic oxyfunctionalisation
One particular area where biocatalysis has significant potential to outcompete chemical approaches is the functionalisation of compounds with oxygen . Chemical oxygenation typically requires hazardous conditions involving expensive catalysts . It often results in low product yields and a variety of bye-products , requiring substantial purification efforts .
In contrast , biocatalysts have the ability to oxygenate regio- and stereoselectively , particularly non-activated C-H bonds . This is relevant to pharmaceuticals , speciality chemicals , flavours , fragrances , antibiotics , mRNA vaccines , fatty acids , terpenes , nutraceuticals and sugars .
The ideal biocatalysts for hydroxylation are scalable , robust ,
58 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981