Biocatalytic C-C bond formation by repurposing transaminases

Carbon-carbon (C-C) bond formation is one of the most challenging synthetic reactions in chemistry. Current approaches require expensive and toxic transition metals with complex ligands that have limited selectivity.

Developing biocatalytic sustainable methods for the controlled formation of C-C bonds with stereospecificity in high yields has the potential to advance organic chemistry and provide access to new molecules.

Although several enzymes are capable of catalyzing C-C bonds, few biocatalytic approaches have been used in organic synthesis, with aldolases being the most used enzyme group.

PLP-dependent transaminases (TA) are the largest and most versatile group, and used at industrial scale, but have never shown C-C bond formation activity.

In this project, I will be developing biocatalytic approaches for C-C bond formation by exploring this new functionality of these versatile enzymes. Thus, I will explore the catalytic versatility of TAs through protein engineering to allow C-C bond formation.

Protein immobilization of engineered TAs will support their biocatalytic application in preparative C-C bond formation reactions.

This will expand the biocatalytic toolbox available for synthesis, and improve sustainability.This project will be carried in the Biocatalysis section at TU Delft, where I will receive training in protein engineering, while using my experience in immobilization, and co-supervise students.

This project will give me the opportunity to further develop the research and supervision skills to become a future group leader.