ElektroZym

The aim of this project is to develop a P450 monooxygenase that is directly and efficiently reduced by a carbon nanotube (CNT) based electrode. The basis is a novel screening system that allows optimization of the enzyme-electrode interface by enzyme engineering. If the project goal is achieved, the new process can be used for the enzymatic production of high-value products such as diols and hydroxy fatty acids by upscaling the enzyme electrode.

Biotechnology is helping to develop production processes that conserve resources and are environmentally friendly. In particular, they are the method of choice for the production of pharmaceutical building blocks.[nbsp] However, they are less successful in the production of basic chemicals because the corresponding enzymes are often not available or do not have the activities required for an economical process. In particular, enzyme-catalyzed oxidations show great potential for application, as they can selectively oxidize C-H bonds, for example. Nevertheless, it should be noted that these processes are also associated with numerous problems and therefore their potential is far from being exhausted to date. This project would contribute to establishing oxidation reactions on an industrial scale.

In this tandem project, complementary expertise from the fields of biocatalysis and enzyme engineering, as well as microsystems technology and electrochemistry, will be brought together. The project fits into the current Biotechnology 2020+ call for tandem projects. Numerous focal points, which were also discussed in the Process Energy expert meeting, are important milestones in this project.

P450 monooxygenases are complex enzyme systems and are currently used in only a few whole-cell processes. Simpler enzyme-based processes offer the prospect of higher space-time yield and volume activity here and would thus enable the production of large products such as butanol, butanediol from butane or -hydroxy fatty acids from fatty acids in high yields.

The aim of this project is to develop a P450 monooxygenase that is directly and efficiently reduced by a carbon nanotube (CNT) based electrode. The basis is a novel screening system that allows optimization of the enzyme-electrode interface by enzyme engineering.
If the project goal is achieved, the new process can be used for the enzymatic production of high-value products such as diols and hydroxy fatty acids by upscaling the enzyme electrode.