Abstract

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.