We have a keen interest in the development of alternative biocatalysts for synthetic and industrial applications. Predominantly our research focuses on the discovery, characterization and evolution of enzymes originating from extremophilic organisms, more specifically salt adapted microbes which can withstand high salt concentrations. Currently we are working with a variety of enzymes encompassing oxido-reductases, transaminases, and hydrolases. The environmental adaptation of the organisms translates into unique enzymatic properties such as high tolerance to organic solvents, broad substrate scope, and remarkable stability.
To further extend enzymatic stability we have developed tailored immobilization strategies which allow us to use (and re-use) the enzymes in batch as well as in flow-systems. Flow-biocatalysis is currently our main tool in the synthesis of valuable molecules.
Our research is highly interdisciplinary with a number of collaborators in the US as well as Europe, and together we are looking at the assembly of semi-synthetic enzymes with enhanced biocatalytic properties.
We have a smaller synthetic stream in our lab which is dedicated to the incorporation of rigid, non-natural amino acids into peptidomimeticts which have demonstrated superior anti-cancer activity.
