29907 - Biocatalysis

Academic Year 2009/2010

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Molecular and industrial biotechnology (cod. 8022)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will know enzymatic mechanisms and will be able to apply them to the solution of biotechnological problems and to the design of  the asymmetric synthesis of novel organic compounds. The students will know - classification of enzymes and mechanism of the six principal classes and of the main sub-classes; - the stereochemical aspects of biocatalysis; - the use of biocatalysts in organic synthesis. In particular, the student will be able to plan different aternative synthetic strategies using enzymes as biocatalysts.

Course contents

Hydrolysis and formation of phosphate esters. Kinases

Aldolases (class I and classII), FDP aldolases

Isomerase (EC5). Mechanism and industrial application.

Biological oxidations (EC1)

NAD and FAD

Stereospecific reactions with NAD

Lattate dehydrogenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase.

Readings/Bibliography

K. Faber, Biotransformations in Organic Chemistry, Springer editor.

W. Gerhartz, Enzymes in Industry, VCH editor

Abeles, R. H.; Frey, P. A.; Jencks, W. P. Biochimica, PIccin editore.

Biocatalysis - Fundamentals and applications, Wiley VCH editor.

Assessment methods

Oral discussion

Teaching tools

Lessons

Office hours

See the website of Alessandra Tolomelli