Electrochemically controlled oxidation with peroxidases

Enzymatic catalysis is characterised by high substrate-, regio- and stereoselectivities. By reason of these properties enzyme catalysis is of particular importance in the synthesis of high-value products, such as pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and natural flavors. Recently major advances have been achieved in the coupling of redox enzymes to electrodes and the development of electroenzymatic reaction systems.

The aim of this project is to develop a new electroenzymatic catalysis system with different peroxidases. These peroxidases utilize hydrogen peroxide for catalysis but are concomitantly inactivated by this cosubstrate. In order to avoid this irreversible inactivation in this new system hydrogen peroxide is generated electrochemically on a low but steady level. The electroenzymatic catalysis system will be characterised with respect to activity, selectivity ans stability.

Additionally the peroxidases applied will be subject to enzymatic engineering methods to improve process-relevant parameters, such as stability and selectivity, etc..

Das IGF-Vorhaben Nr. der Forschungsvereinigung DECHEMA e.V., Theodor-Heuss-Allee 25, 60486 Frankfurt am Main wurde über die AiF im Rahmen des Programms zur Förderung der industriellen Gemeinschaftsforschung (IGF) vom Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie aufgrund eines Beschlusses des Deutschen Bundestages gefördert.