Chloroperoxidase catalyzed oxidations in t-butyl alcohol/water mixtures

Excellence in Acrylation - Scope and Limitation of Glucosyl Imidazolium-coated Novozym 435 Catalyzed (Meth)acryl Ester Synthesis

The incorporation of carbohydrate based ionic liquids as a support for Novozym 435 was previously studied by the authors for the acrylation of n-butanol as the target substrate, which was used as the foundation for the design of experiments. The combination of carbohydrate based ionic liquids and Novozym 435 remains a key aspect of this work. Building upon this, the reaction parameters were optimized for the Novozym catalyst. Substrate screening was performed to explore the scope and limitations of room temperature acrylation reactions. Herein, different alcohols and reaction conditions were screened extensively for the different acrylate products with yields of up to 99.9 % determined via gas chromatography (GC). Standard straight chain alcohols, 2-functionalized ethanol derivatives with electron donating and withdrawing groups, and more sterically challenging substrates were investigated over a broad concentration region. To further underline the applicability of the modified biocatalyst, two alcohols were converted with methacrylic acid. The presented method offers a greener pathway for acrylate synthesis, which eliminates the need for high reaction temperatures, strongly acidic catalysts and/or polymerization inhibitors as used in non-biocatalytic acrylate synthesis.

Recent developments in the use of peroxygenases - Exploring their high potential in selective oxyfunctionalisations

Peroxygenases are an emerging new class of enzymes allowing selective oxyfunctionalisation reactions in a cofactor-independent way different from well-known P450 monooxygenases. Herein, we focused on recent developments from organic synthesis, molecular biotechnology and reaction engineering viewpoints that are devoted to bring these enzymes in industrial applications. This covers natural diversity from different sources, protein engineering strategies for expression, substrate scope, activity and selectivity, stabilisation of enzymes via immobilisation, and the use of peroxygenases in low water media. We believe that peroxygenases have much to offer for selective oxyfunctionalisations and we have much to study to explore the full potential of these versatile biocatalysts in organic synthesis.

Self-repairing metal–organic hybrid complexes for reinforcing immobilized chloroperoxidase reusability

A self-repairing metal–chloroperoxidase (CPO) hybrid nanocatalyst with a sodium alginate (SA) coating displayed robust reusability under acidic conditions.

Hemin-utilizing G-quadruplex DNAzymes are strongly active in organic co-solvents

The widespread use of organic solvents in industrial processes has focused in recent years on the utility of "green" solvents - those with less harmful environmental, health, and safety properties - such as methanol and formamide. However, protein enzymes, regarded as green catalysts, are often incompatible with organic solvents. Herein, we have explored the oxidative properties of a Fe(III)-heme, or hemin, utilizing catalytic DNA (heme·DNAzyme) in different green solvent-water mixtures. We find that the peroxidase and peroxygenase activities of the heme·DNAzyme are strongly enhanced in 20-30% v/v methanol or formamide, relative to water alone. Protic solvent content of >30% v/v gradually diminishes heme·DNAzyme catalytic activity; however, the heme·DNAzyme is still active in as high as 80% v/v methanol. In contrast to protic solvents, aqueous dimethylformamide solutions largely inhibit heme·DNAzyme activity. In view of the strong catalytic activity of heme·DNAzyme in aqueous methanol, we were able to determine that a 60% v/v methanol-water mixture gives the most optimal yield of the dibenzothiophene sulfoxide (DBTO) oxidation product of petroleum-derived dibenzothiophene (DBT). The high product yield reflects both DNAzyme catalysis and a high substrate availability. Overall, these results emphasize the excellent promise of G-quadruplex forming DNA catalysts in application to "greener" industrial chemistry. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "G-quadruplex" Guest Editor: Dr. Concetta Giancola and Dr. Daniela Montesarchio.

Specific oxyfunctionalisations catalysed by peroxygenases: opportunities, challenges and solutions

Peroxygenases are promising oxyfunctionalisation catalysts for organic synthesis.

Paramagnetic nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation and molecular mechanics studies of the chloroperoxidase-indole complex: insights into the mechanism of chloroperoxidase-catalyzed regioselective oxidation of indole

To unravel the mechanism of chloroperoxidase (CPO)-catalyzed regioselective oxidation of indole, we studied the structure of the CPO-indole complex using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation measurements and computational techniques. The dissociation constant (KD) of the CPO-indole complex was calculated to be approximately 21 mM. The distances (r) between protons of indole and the heme iron calculated via NMR relaxation measurements and molecular docking revealed that the pyrrole ring of indole is oriented toward the heme with its 2-H pointing directly at the heme iron. Both KD and r values are independent of pH in the range of 3.0-6.5. The stability and structure of the CPO-indole complex are also independent of the concentration of chloride or iodide ion. Molecular docking suggests the formation of a hydrogen bond between the NH group of indole and the carboxyl O of Glu 183 in the binding of indole to CPO. Simulated annealing of the CPO-indole complex using r values from NMR experiments as distance restraints reveals that the van der Waals interactions were much stronger than the Coulomb interactions in the binding of indole to CPO, indicating that the association of indole with CPO is primarily governed by hydrophobic rather than electrostatic interactions. This work provides the first experimental and theoretical evidence of the long-sought mechanism that leads to the "unexpected" regioselectivity of the CPO-catalyzed oxidation of indole. The structure of the CPO-indole complex will serve as a lighthouse in guiding the design of CPO mutants with tailor-made activities for biotechnological applications.

Stabilization of Chloroperoxidase by Polyethylene Glycols in Aqueous Media: Kinetic Studies and Synthetic Applications

Chloroperoxidase (CPO) is one of the most versatile of the heme peroxidase enzymes for synthetic applications. Despite the potential use of CPO, commercial processes have not been developed because of the low water solubility of many organic substrates of synthetic interest and the limited stability due to inactivation by H(2)O(2). CPO catalytic properties have been studied in aqueous solutions in the presence of short-chain poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs), and the sulfoxidation of thioanisole, as model substrate, has been investigated. The addition of PEGs allows a better substrate solubilization in the reaction mixture and the enzyme to retain more of its initial activity, with respect to pure buffer. Kinetic studies were performed to optimize the experimental conditions, and complete enantioselective conversion to the (R)-sulfoxide (ee = 99%) was observed in the presence of PEG 200 and tri(ethylene glycol). The relevant stabilization of chloroperoxidase due to the presence of PEGs allows the enzyme to convert the substrate with significant product yields even after 10 days, with a consequent increase in enzyme productivity. This is a promising result in view of industrial application of the enzyme.

Process development for the electroenzymatic synthesis of (R)-methylphenylsulfoxide by use of a 3-dimensional electrode

The electrogeneration of hydrogen peroxide via reduction of dissolved oxygen was carried out in a three-dimensional electrochemical cell using graphite grains as cathode material and combined with the enantioselective oxidation of thioanisole to (R)-methylphenylsulfoxide catalyzed by Chloroperoxidase from Caldariomyces fumago. The relevant parameters for process development (e.g., conductivity of the biotransformation medium) were identified and optimized, leading to an efficient electroenzymatic process with a space-time yield of 104 g x L(-1) x d(-1). The isolated product was produced on gram scale (1.2 g, purity >98%, ee > 98.5%).

Microalga Chlorella sorokiniana: a new sulfoxidation biocatalyst

Whole cells of the microalga Chlorella sorokiniana were evaluated in the oxidation of prochiral thioethers as regards conversion, enantiomeric excess and enantioselectivity.

Opposite enantioselectivities of two phenotypically and genotypically similar strains of Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis in bacterial whole-cell sulfoxidation

Soil samples were screened to select microorganisms with the capability to oxidize organic sulfides into the corresponding sulfoxides with differential enantioselectivities. Several bacterial strains that preferentially produced the S-configured sulfoxide enantiomer were isolated. Surprisingly, one bacterial strain, genotypically and phenotypically characterized as Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis, selectively gave the R enantiomer. The finding that two apparently identical organisms displayed opposite enantioselectivities is novel for non-genetically modified organisms.

Chloroperoxidase-catalyzed oxidation of 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene as dimer complexes: Evidence for kinetic cooperativity

A sigmoidal kinetic behavior of chloroperoxidase for the oxidation of 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) in water-miscible organic solvent is for the first time reported. Kinetics of 4,6-DMDBT oxidation showed a cooperative profile probably due to the capacity of chloroperoxidase to recognize a substrate dimer (pi-pi dimer) in its active site. Experimental evidence is given for dimer formation and its presence in the active site of chloroperoxidase. The kinetic data were adjusted for a binding site able to interact with either monomer or dimer substrates, producing a cooperative model describing a one-site binding of two related species. Determination of kinetics constants by iterative calculations of possible oxidation paths of 4,6-DMDBT suggests that kinetics oxidation of dimer substrate is preferred when compared to monomer oxidation. Steady-state fluorometry of substrate in the absence and presence of chloroperoxidase, described by the spectral center of mass, supports this last conclusion.

Expression of the Caldariomyces fumago chloroperoxidase in Aspergillus niger and characterization of the recombinant enzyme

The Caldariomyces fumago chloroperoxidase was successfully expressed in Aspergillus niger. The recombinant enzyme was produced in the culture medium as an active protein and could be purified by a three-step purification procedure. The catalytic behavior of recombinant chloroperoxidase (rCPO) was studied and compared with that of native CPO. The specific chlorination activity (47 units/nmol) of rCPO and its pH optimum (pH 2.75) were very similar to those of native CPO. rCPO catalyzes the oxidation of various substrates in comparable yields and selectivities to native CPO. Indole was oxidized to 2-oxindole with 99% selectivity and thioanisole to the corresponding R-sulfoxide (enantiomeric excess >98%). Incorporation of (18)O from labeled H(2)18O(2) into the oxidized products was 100% in both cases.

Improving the catalytic performance of peroxidases in organic synthesis

Peroxidases are ubiquitous enzymes that catalyze a variety of enantioselective oxygen-transfer reactions with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Although they have enormous potential, their industrial application is hampered by their high price and low operational stability. Recent developments, such as the controlled addition and in situ formation of the oxidant, protein engineering and the rational design of semi-synthetic peroxidases, aim to improve the operational stability of peroxidases.

Sulfoxidation mechanism of vanadium bromoperoxidase from Ascophyllum nodosum. Evidence for direct oxygen transfer catalysis

We have previously shown that vanadium bromoperoxidase from Ascophyllum nodosum mediates production of the (R)-enantiomer of methyl phenyl sulfoxide with 91% enantiomeric excess. Investigation of the intrinsic selectivity of vanadium bromoperoxidase reveals that the enzyme catalyzes the sulfoxidation of methyl phenyl sulfide in a purely enantioselective manner. The K(m) of the enzyme for methyl phenyl sulfide was determined to be approximately 3.5 mM in the presence of 25% methanol or tert-butanol. The selectivity of the sulfoxidation of methyl phenyl sulfide is optimal in the temperature range 25-30 degrees C and can be further optimized by increasing the enzyme concentration, yielding selectivities with up to 96% enantiomeric excess. Furthermore, we established for the first time that vanadium bromoperoxidase is functional at temperatures up to 70 degrees C. A detailed investigation of the sulfoxidation activity of this enzyme using (18)O-labeled hydrogen peroxide shows that vanadium bromoperoxidase mediates the direct transfer of the peroxide oxygen to the sulfide. A schematic model of the vanadium haloperoxidase sulfoxidation mechanism is presented.

Selective oxygen transfer catalysed by heme peroxidases: synthetic and mechanistic aspects

The synthetic and mechanistic aspects of the use of heme peroxidases as functional mimics of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases in oxygen-transfer reactions have been described. The chloroperoxidase from Caldariomyces fumago (CPO) is the catalyst of choice in sulfoxidation, hydroxylation and epoxidation on account of its high activity and enantioselectivity. Other heme peroxidases were less active by orders of magnitude; protein engineering has resulted in impressive improvements but even the most active mutant was still at least an order of magnitude less active than CPO. The 'oxygen-rebound' mechanisms of oxygen transfer mediated by heme enzymes - as originally conceived - have proved to be untenable. Dual pathway mechanisms, via oxoferryl species that insert oxygen as well as iron hydroperoxide species that insert OH(+), have been proposed that accommodate all of the known experimental data.

Highly efficient immobilization of glycosylated enzymes into polyurethane foams

Glycosylated enzymes, including aminoacylase from Aspergillus melleus, chloroperoxidase from Caldariomyces fumago, and phytase from Aspergillus ficuum, were covalently immobilized into polyurethane foams with very high enzyme loadings of up to 0.2 g protein per gram dry foam. The immobilization efficiency (retained activity) ranged from 100% at a low loading to 60% at high loadings. In contrast to many other immobilization methods no leaching of the enzyme from the support took place under the reaction conditions. In short, a universal method for the immobilization of enzymes from fungal sources was developed, affording a highly active, stable, and reusable biocatalyst.

Peroxidase-catalyzed asymmetric sulfoxidation in organic solvents versus in water

Peroxidase-catalyzed asymmetric sulfoxidations, while synthetically attractive, suffer from relatively low reaction rates due to poor substrate solubilities in water and from appreciable spontaneous oxidation of substrates (especially aryl alkyl sulfides) with H(2)O(2). In this work, we found that both of these shortcomings could be alleviated by switching from aqueous solutions to certain nearly anhydrous (99.7%) organic solvents as sulfoxidation reaction media. The rates of spontaneous oxidation of the model prochiral substrate thioanisole in several organic solvents were observed to be some 100- to 1000-fold slower than in water. In addition, the rates of asymmetric sulfoxidation of thioanisole in isopropyl alcohol and in methanol catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were determined to be tens to hundreds of times faster than in water under otherwise identical conditions. This dramatic activation is due to a much higher substrate solubility in organic solvents than in water and occurs even though the intrinsic reactivity of HRP in isopropyl alcohol and in methanol is hundreds of times lower than in water. Sulfoxidation of thioanisole catalyzed by four other hemoproteins (soybean peroxidase, myoglobin, hemoglobin, and cytochrome c) is also much faster in isopropyl alcohol than in water.

Biocatalytic and biomimetic oxidations with vanadium

Approaches to the rational design of vanadium-based semi-synthetic enzymes and biomimetic models as catalysts for enantioselective oxidations are reviewed. Incorporation of vanadate ion into the active site of phytase (E.C. 3.1.3.8), which in vivo mediates the hydrolysis of phosphate esters, afforded a semi-synthetic peroxidase. It catalyzed the enantioselective oxidation of prochiral sulfides with H2O2 affording the S-sulfoxide, e.g. in 66% ee at quantitative conversion of thioanisole. Under the reaction conditions the semi-synthetic vanadium peroxidase was stable for more than 3 days with only a slight decrease in turnover frequency. Amongst the transition-metal oxoanions that are known to be potent inhibitors of phosphatases, only vanadate resulted in a semi-synthetic peroxidase when incorporated into phytase. In a biomimetic approach, vanadium complexes of chiral Schiff base complexes were encapsulated in the super cages of a hydrophobic zeolite Y. Unfortunately, these ship-in-a-bottle complexes afforded only racemic sulfoxide in the catalytic oxidation of thioanisole with H2O2.

Asymmetric Synthesis with the Enzyme Coprinus Peroxidase: Kinetic Resolution of Chiral Hydroperoxides and Enantioselective Sulfoxidation

The enzyme Coprinus peroxidase (CiP) was employed for the kinetic resolution of racemic hydroperoxides 1 and the asymmetric sulfoxidation of prochiral sulfides 4. Eleven hydroperoxides 1a-k were reduced by CiP and guaiacol as reductant under conditions of kinetic resolution with enantioselectivities of up to >98% for the (S)-hydroperoxide 1 and 90% for the (R)-alcohol 2. In the absence of a reductant, the hydroperoxide 1a afforded with CiP enantiomerically enriched hydroperoxide 1a (ee up to 54%) and alcohol 2a (ee up to 40%), as well as ketone 3a (which is also formed simultaneously in all other reactions) and molecular oxygen. Catalase activity was established for CiP with hydrogen peroxide. When aryl alkyl sulfides 4 were used as oxygen acceptors, three products, sulfoxides 5, alcohols 2, and hydroperoxides 1, were obtained, all in enantiomerically enriched form. The highest ee value (89%) was achieved for the sulfoxide derived from naphthyl methyl sulfide (4f). Thus, CiP may be utilized for the asymmetric synthesis of optically active hydroperoxides 1, alcohols 2, and sulfoxides 5.

Recent biotechnological developments in the use of peroxidases

Peroxidases are ubiquitous oxidoreductases that use hydrogen peroxide or alkyl peroxides as oxidants. Advances have recently been made in using them to prepare, under mild and controlled conditions, chiral organic molecules that are valuable for the chemoenzymatic synthesis of a wide range of useful compounds. Horseradish peroxidase can be converted into a peroxygenative enzyme by molecular engineering. Chloroperoxidase, the most versatile peroxidase, behaves like a 'true' monooxygenase in sulfoxidations with molecular oxygen and an external reductant, with substantial increases in enantioselectivity and enzyme stability.

Haloperoxidases and their role in biotransformation reactions

The past year has seen further structural characterisation of both nonmetal and vanadium haloperoxidase enzymes to add to that already known for the haem- and vanadium-containing enzymes. Exploitation of these enzymes for halogenation, sulfoxidation, epoxidation, oxidation of indoles and other biotransformations has increased as more information on their catalytic mechanism has been obtained.