Biocatalysis

Our research involves the introduction of molecular biology into synthetic organic chemistry in the quest to exploit directed evolution of stereoselective enzymes as catalysts in asymmetric reactions. The goals include the implementation of efficient molecular biological strategies and techniques for probing protein sequence space rapidly and the development of high-throughput screening systems for evaluating stereoselectivity and thermostability of enzyme mutants. Current challenges include selective C-C and C-H activating oxidations of simple and complex organic compounds as well as hydrolytic processes.

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Manfred Reetz (Emeritus)

Emeritus scientific member

+49 6421-28-25500
+49 6421-28-25620

reetz@...

Publication References

Research Topics:

Directed Evolution of Enzymes as Catalysts in Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Enzymes have been used as catalysts in synthetic organic chemistry for more than 100 years, but broad application has never been achieved due to a number of traditional limitations including the often observed narrow substrate scope, poor stereoselectivity and/or insufficient stability. The molecular biological methods of directed evolution offer ... [more]