Resolution of racemic mixtures
Most hydrolytic enzymes operate via an acyl enzyme intermediate. As well as hydrolysis of esters (lipases, esterases) or amides (proteases, acylases) the enzymes can also be used with nucleophiles other than water to synthesise esters, amides and other products.
These enzymes are often highly selective both for the acyl moiety (hence able to resolve chiral acids) and the nucleophile (hence able to resolve chiral alcohols and amines).
Although these approaches have been known for some time this is still one of the most powerful applications of biotransformations.
Wherever possible Novacta Biosystems scientists will look to achieve processes with potential for 100% yield rather than resolution processes. Enantioselective acylations can often be combined with racemisation by acid/base catalysis, racemase enzymes or redox reactions.
