Biocatalysis

Historically most catalysis of interest to the Pharmaceutical industry has involved the use of rare platinum group elements like Pd, Pt, Ru, Rh, Ir, etc. Recent work has demonstrated many key catalytic coupling reactions that have been carried out with these precious metals using earth abundant metals like Fe, Ni, Co to carry out some catalysis, but this has had limited success and applicability. Arguably, the future of catalysis in the Pharmaceutical industry is to be found in biocatalysis. Recent work in directed evolution and molecular engineering have enabled the development of asymmetric chiral coupling reactions and other catalytic reactions that far exceed the capabilities of transition metal catalysts, don’t involve the use of rare metals, and are far greener from multiple perspectives.

The Roundtable’s Biocatalysis team focuses on promotng wider use of sustainable biocatalytic transformations in pharmaceutical and chemical processes and to expand current biocatalytic capabilities beyond those currently used.