A Polymeric Approach to Designing Semisynthetic Enzymes

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Polymer Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Semisynthetic enzymes offer novel functions but face efficiency and control limitations.
• Industrial applications require robust and scalable enzymatic solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a polymeric approach for designing efficient and recyclable semisynthetic enzymes.
• To integrate ruthenium-containing polymers with transaminase (ATA) scaffolds for enhanced catalysis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a "grafting from" copolymerization method to combine proteins with catalytic polymers.
• Created semisynthetic dehydrogenases and a polymeric semisynthetic ATA (PolySemiATA).

Main Results:

• Achieved 99% conversion and 94% enantiomeric excess (ee) for acetophenone conversion using semisynthetic dehydrogenases.
• PolySemiATA demonstrated 99% conversion and 93% ee in a cascade reaction, retaining natural enzyme activity.
• PolySemiATA showed superior recyclability compared to enzyme-polymer mixtures.

Conclusions:

• The polymeric approach provides a viable strategy for creating advanced semisynthetic enzymes.
• PolySemiATA offers enhanced efficiency, recyclability, and potential for industrial-scale synthesis of high-value chemicals.