Bioprocessing
C-Tech Innovation aims to accelerate the implementation
of biocatalytic manufacturing processes. Promoting research
that will produce dramatic cost reductions by biocatalytic
manufacturing. A key target is to expand the range of
biocatalytic processes that can be operated profitably
at scale, including redox reactions, which pose particular
problems. Integration of chemical and biocatalytic steps
into single or multi-step syntheses is an important
target.
To this end, C-Tech Innovation
recommends that research should focus on the following
priority areas:
Biocatalyst stability,
integrating both biological and engineering solutions
to improve biocatalyst performance in the process. Examples
of relevant research areas include:
- Development of high
performance enzymes and cells
- Improved biocatalyst
supports
- Alternative solvent
systems
- Nano- and microtechnology-based
approaches to enzyme and process improvement
- Process technologies
for enhanced stability
Designer enzymes, employing
bioinformatics and modelling to identify targets for
enzyme improvement and innovation. Targets for research
include:
- Development of novel
reactions and altered selectivity
- Improved stability
in the process and for re-use
- Improved cofactor
recycling
- Integration of chemical
reactions
- Biomimetics
Metabolic engineering
for improved whole cell biocatalysis. This includes:
- Development of multistep
biocatalytic routes from low cost starting materials
(including renewables) to high value products
- Design of stable,
process-compatible host cells to express biocatalyst
genes, by exploiting genomics, bioinformatics and
systems biology to identify the targets for improvement
- Improved whole cell-based
manufacturing processes
Micro- and nanoscale
reaction engineering has numerous possibilities for
biocatalysis. Inter alia, these include:
- Enzyme arrays for
screening
- High throughput screening
and selection for improved biocatalysts, supports
and process options
- Microscale manufacturing
processes for difficult reactions (e.g. bioelectrocatalysis,
high pressure solvents, hazardous reagents)
- Integrated processing
- Development of artificial
cells
- Enzyme arrays for
multistep syntheses.
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