Vanadium-Containing Chloroperoxidase-Catalyzed Versatile Valorization of Phenols and Phenolic Acids

The downstream product transformation of lignin depolymerization is of great interest in the production of high-value aromatic chemicals. However, this transformation is often impeded by chemical oxidation under harsh reaction conditions. In this study, we demonstrate that hypohalites generated in situ by the vanadium-containing...

Selective Peroxygenase-Catalysed Oxidation of Toluene Derivates to Benzaldehydes

Biocatalytic oxidation reactions of toluene derivates to the corresponding aldehydes are typically challenged by regio- and chemoselectivity issues. In this contribution we address both challenges by a combined reactant- and reaction engineering approach. We demonstrate that the peroxygenase-catalysed transformation of ring-substituted...

Immobilization protects enzymes from plasma-mediated inactivation

Non-thermal plasmas are used in various applications to inactivate biological agents or biomolecules. A complex cocktail of reactive species, (vacuum) UV radiation and in some cases exposure to an electric field together cause the detrimental effects. In contrast to this disruptive property of technical plasmas, we have shown previously that...

Peroxygenase-Promoted Enzymatic Cascades for the Valorisation of Fatty Acids

Utilisation of fatty acids generally relies on pre-existing functional groups such as the carboxylate group or C=C-double bonds. Addition of new functionalities into the hydrocarbon part opens up new possibilities for fatty acid valorisation. In this contribution we demonstrate the synthetic potential of a peroxygenase mutant AaeUPO−Fett for...

Peroxygenase-Catalysed Sulfoxidations in Non-Aqueous Media

Chiral sulfoxides are valuable building blocks in asymmetric synthesis. However, the biocatalytic synthesis of chiral sulfoxides is still challenged by low product titres. Herein, we report the use of peroxygenase as a catalyst for asymmetric sulfoxidation under non-aqueous conditions. Upon covalent immobilisation, the peroxygenase showed...

Chemoenzymatic Hunsdiecker-Type Decarboxylative Bromination of Cinnamic Acids

In this contribution, we report chemoenzymatic bromodecarboxylation (Hunsdiecker-type) of α,ß-unsaturated carboxylic acids. The extraordinarily robust chloroperoxidase from Curvularia inaequalis (CiVCPO) generated hypobromite from H2O2 and bromide, which then spontaneously reacted with a broad range of unsaturated carboxylic acids and yielded...

Environmentally benign solid catalysts for sustainable biodiesel production: A critical review

Versatile bio-derived catalysts have been under dynamic investigation as potential substitutes to conventional chemical catalysts for sustainable biodiesel production. This is because of their unique, low-cost benefits and production processes that are environmentally and economically acceptable. This critical review aspires to present a...

Production of Bio-alkanes from Biomass and CO₂

Bioelectrochemical technologies such as electro-fermentation and microbial CO₂ electrosynthesis are emerging interdisciplinary technologies that can produce renewable fuels and chemicals (such as carboxylic acids). The benefits of electrically driven bioprocesses include improved production rate, selectivity, and carbon conversion...

Valorization of Small Alkanes by Biocatalytic Oxyfunctionalization

The oxidation of alkanes into valuable chemical products is a vital reaction in organic synthesis. This reaction, however, is challenging, owing to the inertness of C−H bonds. Transition metal catalysts for C−H functionalization are frequently explored. Despite chemical alternatives, nature has also evolved powerful oxidative enzymes (e. g.,...

Water-Soluble Anthraquinone Photocatalysts Enable Methanol-Driven Enzymatic Halogenation and Hydroxylation Reactions

Peroxyzymes simply use H2O2 as a cosubstrate to oxidize a broad range of inert C-H bonds. The lability of many peroxyzymes against H2O2 can be addressed by a controlled supply of H2O2, ideally in situ. Here, we report a simple, robust, and water-soluble anthraquinone sulfonate (SAS) as a promising organophotocatalyst to drive both...