Biocatalysis

Nature has evolved several specialised biocatalysts - known as halogenases - for the regioselective halogenation of a diverse range of biosynthetic precursors and secondary metabolites, and this unexplored repertoire is ever growing. Biosynthetic halogenation can occur over simple to extremely complex ring structures of natural compounds and in some cases it initiates the formation of complex structures and scaffolds. The biohalogenation reactions are often lead from simple aromatic substitutions to complex stereoselective C-H functionalization and activation of remote carbon centers. These reliable, facile and cleaner biosynthetic routes have potential utility and greater demand over traditional non-enzymatic halogenation chemistry that requires deleterious reagents and lacks regio-control. We have exploited and developed several halogenases enzymes and platforms in the past few years for industrial applications.