Effect of enzyme dehydration on alcalase-catalyzed dipeptide synthesis in near-anhydrous organic media.

The effect of enzyme dehydration by molecular sieves on the coupling of phenylalanine amide and the carbamoylmethyl ester of N-protected phenylalanine in near-anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was investigated. This coupling was catalyzed by Alcalase covalently immobilized onto macroporous acrylic beads (Cov); these immobilized enzymes were hydrated prior to use. The dehydration kinetics of Cov by molecular sieve powder were determined by incubating Cov with different amounts of molecular sieve powder for different periods of time (0-80 h).

Assessment of intraparticle biocatalytic distributions as a tool in rational formulation.

Research has shown that the intraparticle biocatalytic distribution has extensive effects on the properties of various (industrial) biocatalytic particles and their performance in (bio-) chemical reactions. In recent years, advances in molecular chemistry have led to the development of many different specific (immuno-) labeling and light-microscopic detection techniques. Furthermore, high-quality image-digitizing devices and enhanced computing power have made image analysis readily accessible.

Membrane-facilitated bioproduction of 3-methylcatechol in an octanol/water two-phase system.

Bioproduction of 3-methylcatechol from toluene by Pseudomonas putida MC2 was studied in the presence of an additional 1-octanol phase. This solvent was used to supply the substrate and extract the product, in order to keep the aqueous concentrations low. A hollow-fibre membrane kept the octanol and aqueous phase separated to prevent phase toxicity towards the bacterium.