New developments in 'ene'-reductase catalysed biological hydrogenations.
Helen S Toogood1, Nigel S Scrutton1
1Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK.
Asymmetric biocatalytic hydrogenations, primarily using Old Yellow Enzymes, create valuable chiral molecules. Recent advances focus on new enzymes, cascading reactions, and cost-effective technologies for industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Biocatalysis and Organic Chemistry
Background:
- Asymmetric biocatalytic hydrogenations are key for synthesizing chiral molecules.
- The Old Yellow Enzyme family is a primary catalyst for these reactions.
- These reactions generate up to two stereogenic centers, crucial for synthons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in asymmetric hydrogenation biocatalysis.
- To highlight new enzyme classes and multienzyme cascading reactions.
- To focus on industrially relevant advancements and technologies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of research from the last two years.
- Analysis of enzyme classes beyond the Old Yellow Enzyme family.
- Examination of novel biotransformation technologies.
Main Results:
- Identification of additional enzyme classes for asymmetric hydrogenation.
- Examples of successful multienzyme cascading reactions presented.
- Discussion of technologies improving commercial viability, including coenzyme-independent reactions.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in asymmetric hydrogenation biocatalysis.
- New enzymes and cascade reactions offer expanded synthetic potential.
- Technological innovations are enhancing the industrial applicability of these biotransformations.
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