Production of optically pure molecules with new microbial enzyme

The major goal of our research is the development of synthetically useful selective biotransformation using “new” microbial enzymes by combining natural and non-natural condition. The production of optically pure molecules to be used in different fields has been studied. A different new chemo-, regio- and enantio-selective carboxylesterases are selected after screening among different microorganisms. Medium and biocatalyst manipulation and reactor engineering are studied for improving the selectivity/productivity of the bioprocesses. The resolution of racemic esters by hydrolysis (i.e. isopropylideneglycerol or non-natural aminoacid) or esters synthesis (i.e. flurbiprofene) with lyophilised cells is obtained. (R) and (S)-IPG are obtained using two different biocatalysts: an esterase from Bacillus coagulans, as immobilized or isolated enzyme, and one from Kluyveromyces marxianus.