New biocatalysts for selective chemical oxidations under extreme conditions (ARC Discovery Project administered by The University of Adelaide) (2024–2026)
Abstract:
This project will identify and design new enzyme biocatalysts which function under extreme conditions such as
elevated temperature and high concentrations of peroxides. These enzymes will be sourced from microorganisms
which are located in extreme biological environments e.g. hot springs (the so-called extremophiles). The expected
outcome of this project are the identification of robust enzymes which can catalyse selective oxidation reactions in complex organic molecules, such as steroids. The new biocatalysts developed in this project will have significant
benefit in the development of new routes to access bespoke molecules of value in fine chemical synthesis and
drug development.
