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Molecular Imprinting of Enzymes with Hydrophobic Compounds to Improve Catalytic Activity in Nonaqueous Media--EnzyMed, A Division of Albany Molecular Research, Inc., 2501 Crosspark Road, Suite C-150, Iowa City, IA  52242; 319-626-5400

Dr. Joseph O. Rich, Principal Investigator

Dr. John Krstennansky, Business Official

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-00ER83002

Amount:  $100,000

 

The replacement of water with an anhydrous (or nearly anhydrous) solvent often leads to decreases in enzyme activity of 2-6 orders of magnitude.  Therefore, attaining higher enzyme activity levels in organic solvents is one of the major challenges in nonaqueous enzymology.  This proposal research will overcome the limitations of molecular imprinting (especially that the imprinter must be water soluble) and develop a next generation, more powerful and versatile molecular imprinting methodology for the production of highly active enzyme catalysts for industrial synthetic applications.  Develop a methodology for imprinting enzymes with water-insoluble compounds.  The water solubility of the hydrophobic imprinter be increased by (i) chemical introduction of a polar functional group and (ii) use of solubilizing additives (e.g., organic solvents and cyclodextrins) in the lyophilization medium.  Also, precipitation of enzymes by organic solvents containing an imprinter will provide another enzyme dehydration method.

 

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  The improvement of enzyme activity in nonaqueous media will impact the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and specialty chemical industries in several ways: (i) simplified chemical processes and increased reaction yields, (ii) decreased use of toxic materials and re-agents, and (iii) reduced energy consumption.  Also, increased use of biocatalysis will accelerate the drug and agrochemical development process.