Biocatalysis and Industrial Biotransformations

Recommended Prerequisites

Not Applicable.

Teaching Methods

The theoretical component of the program is presented through lectures. The slides presented by the teacher are available to students immediately after each lesson. The fundamental concepts are illustrated with specific examples.
The theoretical evaluation is done through a written exam with a rating of 15 out of 20. The evaluation is complemented by the presentation of a written discussion of a scientific paper published recently (2015) under the scope of Industrial Biotransformations. This evaluation component has a value of 5 on a scale of zero to twenty.

Learning Outcomes

To provide the basis for the application of biological tools in the industrial production of drugs. To provide an actual perspective of applied biocatalysis as an interface between organic chemistry and biotechnology. To understand the challenges and the opportunities in the integration of biotransformations in the pharmaceutical industry in terms of innovation and competitiveness.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1- Biotransformations and organic synthesis: global perspective.
The concept of biocatalysis.
History of biocatalysis.
Enzyme selectivity.
Biocatalysis in non-conventional media: organic solvents; supercritical solvents and ionic liquids.
Biocatalysis under the scope of green chemistry.
Using isolated enzymes versus whole cells.
Enzyme immobilization.
2- Classification of enzymes
Oxidoreductases.
Transferases.
Hydrolases.
Lyases.
Isomerases.
Ligases.
In vivo catalyzed-reactions
3- Retrosynthetic biocatalysis.
Retrosynthetic analysis of several classes of compounds using enzyme catalyzed reactions:
alkanes, alkenes, amines, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, epoxides, diols, carboxylic acids, esters, amides and
imines.
4- Relevant examples of biocatalytic processes with application in drug synthesis.
Application of enzyme catalysts in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Biocatalysis and industrial
production of drugs, pharmaceutical intermediates and nutraceuticals.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Manuel da Cruz Silva

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 25.0%
Exam: 75.0%

Bibliography

1. Biocatalysis: Biochemical Fundamentals and Applications (2nd Ed), Peter Grunwald, World Scientific Ed. 2017,

2. Industrial Biocatalysis, Pan Stanford Series on Biocatalysis, Peter Grunwald (Editor) , 2014, ISBN-10: 9814463884

3. Industrial Biotransformations, Andreas Liese, Karsten Seelbach, Christian Wandrey (Editors).
John Wiley & Sons; 2nd Ed, 2006. ISBN-10: 3527310010

4. Biocatalysis: Enzymatic Synthesis for Industrial Applications. Wu S, Snajdrova R, Moore JC, Baldenius K, Bornscheuer UT. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2021;60(1):88-119. doi:10.1002/anie.202006648

5. Production of Bulk Chemicals with Biocatalysis: Drivers and Challenges Reflected in Recent Industrial Granted Patents (2015-2020). Guajardo N, Domínguez de María P.. Molecules. 2021;26(3):736. Published 2021 Jan 31. doi:10.3390/molecules26030736