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Biomass-Derived Diformylxylose as a Renewable Solvent for Biocatalysis Applications
Fatma Feyza Özgen1, Peter Stockinger1,2, Anastasia Komarova3
1Competence Center for Biocatalysis, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland.
Chemsuschem
|February 25, 2026
Summary
Diformylxylose (DFX), a green solvent, shows promise for biocatalysis. It supports high enzyme activity, especially for ketoreductases and lipases, outperforming traditional solvents like DMSO and DMF in specific reactions.
Area of Science:
- Biocatalysis and Green Chemistry
- Enzyme Engineering
- Sustainable Solvents
Background:
- Developing sustainable biocatalytic processes necessitates environmentally benign solvents that maintain enzyme functionality.
- Conventional solvents like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethylformamide (DMF) pose environmental concerns.
- Xylose-derived diformylxylose (DFX) is explored as a potential green cosolvent alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate diformylxylose (DFX) as a cosolvent for enzymatic reactions.
- To compare the performance of DFX against conventional solvents (DMSO, DMF) using a diverse enzyme panel.
- To assess enzyme activity and stability in DFX for various biocatalytic applications.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive panel of enzymes, including ketoreductases (KREDs), lipases, transaminases (TAs), and imine reductases (IREDs), were tested.
- Enzyme activity and stability were assessed in DFX and compared to outcomes in DMSO and DMF.
- Specific reactions, such as asymmetric ketone reduction and ester hydrolysis, were performed to quantify enzyme performance.
Main Results:
- Selected KREDs and immobilized lipase CalB demonstrated high or superior catalytic activity in DFX compared to conventional solvents.
- Transaminases (TAs) and imine reductases (IREDs) showed limited compatibility with DFX, highlighting enzyme-specific solvent effects.
- KRED TeSADH W110A achieved 100% conversion in DFX for ketone reduction, significantly outperforming DMSO/DMF (∼40%).
- Lipase CalB reached 95% conversion in DFX for ester hydrolysis.
Conclusions:
- DFX is a promising green solvent for specific biocatalysis applications, particularly for ketoreductase and lipase-mediated transformations.
- The study underscores the enzyme-specific nature of solvent effects in biocatalysis.
- DFX offers a sustainable alternative to conventional organic solvents, enhancing reaction efficiency for certain enzyme classes.
