Biotransformations & Microflow Systems
Polona Žnidaršic Plazl,
Professor,
University of Ljubljana
Biological catalysts – either in
the form of isolated enzyme preparations or whole cells - are recognized as
extremely promising catalysts exhibiting several outperforming properties when
compared to their chemical counterparts such as stereo- and regio-selectivity,
application at mild conditions, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Current
efforts towards more sustainable production systems and bio-based products have
triggered an intense research on integration of biocatalysis into mainstream
organic synthesis and establishment of continuous processing. Microfluidic
systems can greatly contribute to successful implementation of biocatalysis in
industrial production. Microflow devices enable faster and cheaper selection of
biocatalysts, substrate(s) and media, development of suitable immobilization
methods for continuous biocatalyst use in highly efficient reactor designs
integrated with downstream processing, as well as faster and more reliable
scale-up. This will be illustrated by selected biotransformations with
dissolved enzymes in two-liquid phase systems, as well as with immobilized
biocatalysts in microflow systems, studied by the Microprocess Engineering
Research Group from the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of the University of Ljubljana.
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