For Biocatalysis, Solvents are a Key Bioprocessing Parameter
Deep eutectic solvents can modulate multiple biocatalysis process parameters, thus minimizing or eliminating the need for bioengineering in certain enzymes while enhancing productivity and product quality. The post For Biocatalysis, Solvents are a Key Bioprocessing Parameter appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News .
In the biomanufacturing industry, a shift from aqueous to non-aqueous solvents for biocatalysis is underway, with deep eutectic solvents (DES) gaining prominence as sustainable and adjustable alternatives. These DES are employed to boost substrate solubility and enzyme activity, modify enzyme stability, and fine-tune stereo- and regioselectivity.
Research indicates that DES can lead to increased titers and productivity compared to conventional catalysts, and that enzymes processed in DES remain thermally stable without the requirement for protein engineering. However, the selection of solvent proves not to be a simple decision, as scientists are discovering that the solvent acts as a crucial process parameter with far-reaching effects that can even affect stereochemistry.
According to a recent literature review by Xiamen University scientists Yuxuan Hou and several professors, the solvent composition and water content shape the enzyme-specific microenvironment, influencing catalytic performance. The DES hydrogen-bond network, viscosity, diffusivity, polarity, and solvent distribution around the protein surface are affected by changes in solvent.
Studies demonstrate that the residual activity of cellulase and pectinase fluctuates with water quantity, and a hydrogenase/TiO2 photocatalytic system shows that increasing solvent quantity reduces dioxygen transport, while increasing water content raises activity. The solvent's hydrogen bond donors and acceptors also play a key role, as evidenced by the increase in the half-life of Candida rugosa lipase and Humicola insolens cutinase when using DES.
Modulating thermostability through the solvent, rather than through bioengineering, proves to be a faster and more cost-effective approach. Furthermore, the aqueous fraction can influence DES components' interactions with proteins and hydration, further modulating enzyme thermostability. Solvent choice can also impact enzyme stereoselectivity and regioselectivity, as demonstrated by a study where baker’s yeast converting arylpropanones yielded predominantly the "R" version when DES was employed.
The solvent-modulated selectivity significantly enhances flexibility, but it also necessitates meticulous quality control to avoid negative product effects. The researchers highlight the lack of data regarding enzyme behavior in various solvents, emphasizing that the consequences of solvent choice for product quality may not be fully appreciated by biomanufacturers.
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