Enzyme Design for Nonaqueous Solvents
Abstract
From a biotechnological perspective there are many advantages of employing enzymes in organic as opposed to aqueous media. While there is now little question that enzymes can function in organic media, reaction rates are typically quite low. Relatively few kinetic studies have been carried out, and detailed investigations of enzyme structure and dynamics are fewer still. The overall goal of this ARO-sponsored research has been to identify the factors that govern enzyme activity and specificity in organic solvents, and apply this knowledge in the design of enzyme catalysts with optimal (i.e., aqueous-like) activity in nonaqueous media. In addition, this research set out to expand on our recent success in activating enzymes for use in organic solvents - in some cases activations of greater than 1000-fold have been achieved - and to understand fundamentally the factors that govern enzyme activity and enzyme activation in organic solvents. The knowledge gained in this investigation can be applied to a more general design of enzyme catalysts with optimal (i.e., aqueous-like) activity and tailored selectivity in nonaqueous media.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 30, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA332195
Entities
People
- Douglas S Clark
- Jonathan S. Dordick
Organizations
- University of Iowa