Presentation Information
[2ASBA-16-TA]Synthetic Enzymology for Human and Planetary Health: Stereo-, Regio- and 4f Orbital Selectivities
○Wen Shan Yew1 (1. National University of Singapore (Singapore))
Keywords:
Synthetic Enzymology,Human and Planetary Health,Regioselectivity,Stereoselectivity,4f-Orbital selectivity
Synthetic Enzymology has emerged as a transformative approach for engineering biological systems toward purposeful applications in human and planetary health. This presentation explores the application of mechanistic and engineering principles in enzymology across diverse domains, from sustainable pharmaceutical and functional ingredients production to advanced materials processing: (1) delineating the mechanisms for cannabinoid synthases, (2) discovering sn-2 regioselective lipases capable of efficiently catalyzing the biosynthesis of fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs), and (3) exploiting the unique 4f orbital selectivities of rare-earth element binding proteins (REXs).
(1) Delineating stereospecific oxidative cyclizations catalyzed by cannabinoid synthases through either a carbocation route or an ortho-quinone methides route, impacting the chirality profiles of cannabinoid products through geometric rationalization.
(2) We have identified sn-2 regioselective lipases capable of efficiently catalyzing the biosynthesis of fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs), bioactive lipids with potent anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties. These enzymes can effectively esterify hydroxystearic acids at various positions (2-HSA, 10-HSA, 12-HSA, and 15-HSA) with long-chain fatty acids, achieving up to 96% conversion efficiency at elevated temperatures without organic solvents. This addresses the fundamental limitation that strict (and commonly used) sn-1,3-regioselective lipases are refractory to FAHFA production, providing a scalable platform for industrial synthesis of therapeutic lipids.
(3) A key innovation involves the discovery and characterization of novel rare-earth element binding proteins (REXs) for selective rare-earth element bioseparation. The pronounced 4f orbital selectivities observed in these proteins enable precise intra-REE separations crucial for recycling permanent magnets and electronic waste. By exploiting the unique electronic configurations of lanthanides, the use of REXs provides a pathway toward >99% REE purification from complex mixtures, addressing critical supply chain vulnerabilities in clean energy technologies.
This presentation illustrates how synthetic enzymology can address human health needs through sustainable pharmaceutical and functional ingredients production, and planetary health challenges through green chemistry approaches to critical material recovery, demonstrating the transformative potential of engineered biological systems in creating a more sustainable future.
(1) Delineating stereospecific oxidative cyclizations catalyzed by cannabinoid synthases through either a carbocation route or an ortho-quinone methides route, impacting the chirality profiles of cannabinoid products through geometric rationalization.
(2) We have identified sn-2 regioselective lipases capable of efficiently catalyzing the biosynthesis of fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs), bioactive lipids with potent anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties. These enzymes can effectively esterify hydroxystearic acids at various positions (2-HSA, 10-HSA, 12-HSA, and 15-HSA) with long-chain fatty acids, achieving up to 96% conversion efficiency at elevated temperatures without organic solvents. This addresses the fundamental limitation that strict (and commonly used) sn-1,3-regioselective lipases are refractory to FAHFA production, providing a scalable platform for industrial synthesis of therapeutic lipids.
(3) A key innovation involves the discovery and characterization of novel rare-earth element binding proteins (REXs) for selective rare-earth element bioseparation. The pronounced 4f orbital selectivities observed in these proteins enable precise intra-REE separations crucial for recycling permanent magnets and electronic waste. By exploiting the unique electronic configurations of lanthanides, the use of REXs provides a pathway toward >99% REE purification from complex mixtures, addressing critical supply chain vulnerabilities in clean energy technologies.
This presentation illustrates how synthetic enzymology can address human health needs through sustainable pharmaceutical and functional ingredients production, and planetary health challenges through green chemistry approaches to critical material recovery, demonstrating the transformative potential of engineered biological systems in creating a more sustainable future.
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