Sweet Enzymes - converting simple sugars to valuable pharmaceuticals and chemical building blocks.
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Sch of Chemistry
Abstract
During the lab rotation, the student will learn how to express recombinant genes and isolate catalytic proteins. They will learn how to run protein and DNA electrophoresis, purify catalytic proteins and run biotransformations. They will also have the opportunity to learn a number of analytical techniques including HPLC and GC.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M008770/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/10/2024 | |||
| 1803162 | Studentship | BB/M008770/1 | 01/10/2016 | 20/01/2021 |
| Description | Background: The aim of the project was to design an enzymatic or chemo-enzymatic pathway for the production of iminosugars. These compounds act as glycosidic hydrolases inhibitors and are used for the treatment of many diseases and disorders for example diabetes, lysosome storage disorder, HIV and many others. The traditional method for the synthesis of iminosugars requires multiple steps and unsustainable metal catalysts. This was is not only environmentally unfriendly but also not very efficient. Aims: The project proposes the utilisation of enzymatic catalysts to produce iminosugars in three steps by application of the so-called biocatalytic cascade. The process involves the utilization of three enzymes: transaminase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and imine reductase. The transaminase step is being investigated by my group colleague, whereas steps two and three that involve alcohol dehydrogenase and imine reductase are investigated by me. Findings: Currently, I have managed to produce several iminosugar compounds using chemo-enzymatic steps, which employ transaminase and alcohol dehydrogenase. Until now the final step was performed chemically and it is still under investigation. |
| Exploitation Route | The project will be still continued, and it will involve enzyme discovery. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |