Biocatalysis

Based upon our detailed understanding of the physical biochemistry involved in biomolecular solvation, we have developed solvents to replicate the essential water-like behavior necessary for enzymes to retain activity, whilst also facilitating the dissolution of high concentrations of organic substrates.

For example, we have developed liquid ammonium salts that are capable of retaining dehydrogenase enzyme activity, whilst dissolving long-chain alcohols.

These liquids have been conclusively shown to perform more effectively than any other non-aqueous media as solvents for complex enzyme-catalysed processes, including redox biotransformations and cofactor recycling systems, whilst permitting the drastic downsizing of reaction vessels and a much reduced need for post-extraction chromatography compared to aqueous conditions.

Our unique combined Bioprocess approach not only addresses the performance of individual biocatalytic steps, but also permits the application of multi-step processes without the need to isolate intermediates, the clean and efficient recovery of the product and the recycling of both enzyme and solvent for subsequent reactions.