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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

A Customizable Approach for the Enzymatic Production and Purification of Diterpenoid Natural Products
Published on: October 4, 2019
Frontiers and opportunities in chemoenzymatic synthesis
Jonathan D Mortison1, David H Sherman
1Life Sciences Institute, Department of Chemistry and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, 210 Washtenaw Avenue, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
Natural product biosynthesis utilizes enzymes for complex chemical transformations. Chemoenzymatic synthesis harnesses these enzymes, offering powerful new methods for creating diverse molecules.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Synthetic Chemistry
- Enzymology and Natural Product Synthesis
Background:
- Natural product biosynthetic pathways possess enzymes with diverse catalytic activities.
- These enzymes are crucial for constructing complex secondary metabolites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight research efforts in harnessing biosynthetic enzymes.
- To showcase progress in chemoenzymatic synthesis for accessing chemical diversity.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of enzymes from various biosynthetic systems.
- Application of chemoenzymatic synthesis strategies.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of enzymes' broad chemical transformation capabilities.
- Successful application of chemoenzymatic synthesis in accessing novel chemical entities.
Conclusions:
- Chemoenzymatic synthesis is a powerful tool rivaling traditional synthetic chemistry.
- This approach opens new avenues for exploring and producing diverse natural products.
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