Primary alcohols in a ring structure: quantifying enantioselectivity of Pseudomonas cepacia lipase by an in silico assay

Expanding the substrate scope of enzymes: combining mutations obtained by CASTing

In a previous paper, the combinatorial active-site saturation test (CAST) was introduced as an effective strategy for the directed evolution of enzymes toward broader substrate acceptance. CASTing comprises the systematic design and screening of focused libraries around the complete binding pocket, but it is only the first step of an evolutionary process because only the initial libraries of mutants are considered. In the present study, a simple method is presented for further optimization of initial hits by combining the mutational changes obtained from two different libraries. Combined lipase mutants were screened for hydrolytic activity against six notoriously difficult substrates (bulky carboxylic acid esters) and improved mutants showing significantly higher activity were identified. The enantioselectivity of the mutants in the hydrolytic kinetic resolution of two substrates was also studied, with the best mutant-substrate combination resulting in a selectivity factor of E=49. Finally, the catalytic profile of the evolved mutants in the hydrolysis of simple nonbranched carboxylic acid esters, ranging from acetate to palmitate, was studied for theoretical reasons.

Rational control of enantioselectivity of lipase by site-directed mutagenesis based on the mechanism

The enantioselectivity of a Burkholderia cepacia lipase toward secondary alcohols could be both increased and decreased rationally by introducing only a single mutation on the basis of the mechanism proposed previously.

Application of lipases in kinetic resolution of racemates

Lipases have been well established as valuable catalysts in organic synthesis. This review article focuses on some of the recent developments in the rapidly growing field of lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution of racemates as a versatile method for the separation of enantiomers. The literature search dates back to the last five years and covers some comprehensive examples. The main emphasis is on the use of lipases in organic solvents.