IMEnz Bioengineering |
IMEnz Bioengineering Research
Biocatalyst Engineering
Living organisms are dependent on the enormous diversity of molecular functions that are carried out by proteins. The majority of the molecular reactions occurring within a cell are catalysed by enzymes (biocatalysts). These enzymes are capable of performing reactions with high conversion rates and specificity.
Commercial exploitation of biocatalysts is of interest, since, contrary to the racemic mixtures often obtained with chemical conversions, biocatalytic processes can yield stereo-specific enantiomers and far less by-products. However, natural biocatalysts are often not optimally suited for industrial application. IMEnz Bioengineering has great expertise in improving biocatalyst performance by means of protein engineering and directed evolution.
Protein engineering is the design and construction of mutant proteins, which requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving recombinant DNA techniques, biochemical techniques, protein crystallography, and computer graphics (molecular modeling). IMEnz Bioengineering has applied protein engineering to improve the function and stability of starch-converting enzymes and proteases. For these enzymes, the structural features involved in stability, substrate specificity, pH optimum, catalytic mechanism and product inhibition have been studied and modified.
The directed evolution approach can be the method of choice for the improvement of biocatalysts, in particular for biocatalysts for which structural data are lacking. Random mutagenesis procedures are applied to create libraries of biocatalyst variants. Subsequently, specific screening procedures are developed to select variants with desired properties.
IMEnz Bioengineering has ample experience in biocatalyst engineering and can be your partner for the improvement of biocatalyst function, stability and applications. In addition, services for biocatalyst identification, cloning, expression and production are offered.
If you would like to discuss your specific desires in biocatalist engineering, please contact us at the address below.
Manager Enzyme Technology
IMEnz Bioengineering BV
Tel: (+31) 50 3132025