Hydrocarbon Synthesis via Photoenzymatic Decarboxylation of Carboxylic Acids

Journal Article (2019)
Author(s)

Wuyuan Zhang (TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

Ming Ma (TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

Mieke M.E. Huijbers (TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

Georgy A. Filonenko (TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

Evgeny A. Pidko (TU Delft - ChemE/Algemeen, TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

Morten van Schie (TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

Sabrina de Boer (DECHEMA Research Institute)

Wilson A. Smith (TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

Frank Hollmann (TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

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Research Group
BT/Biocatalysis
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.8b12282 Final published version
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Publication Year
2019
Language
English
Research Group
BT/Biocatalysis
Issue number
7
Volume number
141
Pages (from-to)
3116-3120
Downloads counter
361
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Institutional Repository
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Abstract

A recently discovered photodecarboxylase from Chlorella variabilis NC64A ( CvFAP) bears the promise for the efficient and selective synthesis of hydrocarbons from carboxylic acids. CvFAP, however, exhibits a clear preference for long-chain fatty acids thereby limiting its broad applicability. In this contribution, we demonstrate that the decoy molecule approach enables conversion of a broad range of carboxylic acids by filling up the vacant substrate access channel of the photodecarboxylase. These results not only demonstrate a practical application of a unique, photoactivated enzyme but also pave the way to selective production of short-chain alkanes from waste carboxylic acids under mild reaction conditions.