Gianolio, Stefania (2023). Decarboxylases and Dehydrogenases in Biocatalysis: Sustainable Production of Amines in Batch and Continuous Flow Systems. (Thesis). Universität Bern, Bern
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Abstract
Nowadays the urgent need for sustainable and greener production processes is driving considerable interest towards the continuously progressing field of biocatalysis. Enzymes, the essential components of biocatalysis, provide an environmentally friendly approach to chemical transformations, presenting cleaner and more selective synthesis pathways compared to conventional, potentially hazardous, chemical methods. However, to truly unlock the potential of enzymes and apply them effectively at an industrial level, a great level of optimization is often required. This research introduces a set of biocatalytic tools specifically tailored to overcome the challenges associated with chemical amine production. The explored approach was the decarboxylation of natural amino acids. These precursors represent a sustainable feedstock source since they can be obtained via microbial fermentation in a circular economy, from natural and readily available substrates. The aim is to propose a green, eco-conscious alternative to traditional amine production, which often involves the generation of waste and the use of dangerous reagents. The practicality and efficiency of these novel biocatalytic instruments are validated through direct application, thereby showcasing their potential for implementation in industry. A significant aspect of the study revolves around not just the development of these biocatalytic tools, but also enhancing their resilience for industrial scale-up. The central strategy to augment the robustness of the biocatalysts, and thereby widen their application field, is the immobilization of the biocatalyst. By doing so, the biocatalyst can be integrated in an easier manner inside the chemical synthesis and can become a reliable co-actor, addressing the most environmentally problematic steps in the chemical process. This collaborative method allows biocatalysts to complement traditional chemical stages, providing an inclusive and comprehensive strategy for sustainable chemical production. Moreover, it is essential to note that the versatility of enzymes should be explored further. Out-of-the-box applications for these biological catalysts must be considered, keeping in mind that enzymatic reactions often occur under equilibrium, hence influencing the reaction directionality. In this study, an effort was made to harness the capabilities of amino acid dehydrogenases and amine dehydrogenase to catalyse the oxidative deamination reaction expanding their substrate scope. The aim is to generate aldehydes or ketones from amines, which hold promising potential in the field of chemical applications.
| Item Type: | Thesis |
|---|---|
| Dissertation Type: | Cumulative |
| Date of Defense: | 18 September 2023 |
| Subjects: | 500 Science > 540 Chemistry 500 Science > 570 Life sciences; biology |
| Institute / Center: | 08 Faculty of Science > Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (DCBP) |
| Depositing User: | Sarah Stalder |
| Date Deposited: | 28 Mar 2024 15:42 |
| Last Modified: | 28 Mar 2024 15:42 |
| URI: | https://boristheses.unibe.ch/id/eprint/4983 |
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