Biocatalysis & Organic Chemistry (BOC)

The research in the Biocatalysis and Organic Chemistry group is directed towards the development of atom-efficient, low-waste processes for the synthesis of high added value chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals and chiral intermediates. Within the framework of green chemistry the aim is to respond to the public need towards the 12 principles of green chemistry (for explanations see 'links').

Catalysis is one of our guiding principles to achieve selectivity and waste minimization. Biocatalytic as well as biomimetic catalytic methods are investigated. Other research themes are the use of non-conventional media (ionic liquids for e.g. biocatalysis), the immobilization of enzymes, e.g. via the technique of cross-linked aggregates (CLEAS's), the application of catalytic cascade reactions, and the use of renewable resources. Furthermore the evolution of enzymes by means of DNA-shuffling is explored to search for reaction-designed biocatalysts both in collaboration with an industrial partner and together with other groups in the Department.

In addition research is performed on the design, synthesis, and (pre)clinical applications of novel molecular imaging contrast agents for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), PET (Positron Emitting Tomography), and SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography). In collaboration with the section PORE of the research centre Sustainable Industrial Processes, Section Radiation and Isotopes for Health of the  Department of Radiation, Radioisotopes and Reactors, and the Department of Nuclear Medicine of the Erasmus University MC Rotterdam. One of the main goals of the research project is to develop reagents with the highest possible efficiency. The reagents will be built up from modules (targeting vector, carrier, reporter groups) in such a way that they are easily exchangeable. The various modules and the procedures to assemble them will be optimised.

Within this framework we strive to meet scientific challenges in combination with application-oriented research. These goals are pursued via six research topics:

1. Application of enzymes in organic synthesis: the development of highly regio- and enantioselective C-C bond formation and hydrolytic reactions in non-natural environments.
2. Development of biocatalytic and biomimetic methods for clean and selective oxidations.
3. Development of cascade reactions for one-pot, multistep syntheses.
4. Application of metal-based homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic methods, e.g. carbonylation, cyclisation reactions, as alternatives for classical stoichiometric reagents.
5. Directed evolution (DNA-shuffling) of nitrilases, HNLs and of hydro-lyases.
6. Molecular recognition for diagnosis and therapy.

The group collaborates with other groups in the Department and is strongly involved in the research of the Delft Centre for Life Science and Technology (programme 1) and in the research and education of the Graduate Research School BSDL (sector 1). The expertise in the field of catalysis is reflected by the membership of the Netherlands Institute for Catalysis NIOK and the NRSC-Catalysis (Top Research School Catalysis Controlled by Chemistry and Design).

Group leader
prof.dr. Isabel W.C.E. Arends

Staff
prof.dr. Ulf Hanefeld (professor)
dr. Frank Hollmann (assistant professor)
dr. Linda Otten (assistant professor)
dr. Kristina Djanashvili (assistant professor)
dr.ir. Fred van Rantwijk (em. associate professor)
dr.ir. Joop A. Peters (em. associate professor)
prof.dr. Roger A. Sheldon (em. professor)

Key words
Enzymes in organic synthesis, Enzyme immobilization, Biocatalysis, Enzymes in novel media, Green chemistry, Oxidation catalysis, Catalysis in water, Homogeneous catalysis, Heterogeneous catalysis, Asymmetric catalysis, Directed evolution, DNA-shuffling, Molecular recognition, Magnetic Resonance Imaging.