Multienzymatic Cascade in a 2-Phase System - Process integration

• Applicants: Dr. Paul Bubenheim; Dr.-Ing. Thomas Waluga
• Subject Area: Biological Process Engineering
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 321884682

Biocatalysis becomes more and more important as an alternative production process in chemical industry. In this context multi-enzyme cascade reactions have the potential to meet the demand for complex synthesis routes with high selectivity and purity of the products and no need for product isolation in between. Especially in-vitro systems have a potential for high space-time yields, although they are less complex, comparatively simple to describe mathematically and therefor good to optimize. Following the successful establishment of a multi-enzyme cascade reaction in the 2-phase system, intensification by process integration is planned. For this purpose, a reaction step of the cascade is combined with the extraction step and the subsequent separation of the two phases in one apparatus. Therefore, the first 3-phase (l/l/s) reactive extraction centrifuge is introduced. This unique apparatus is at the same time the first enzymatic reactive extraction centrifuge.This highly innovative project aims to contribute the development of a platform technology to combine process steps, which are usually individually performed. Thus, a better understanding of complex integrated processes in biocatalysis can be achieved. The system will be described mathematical and modelled. In the end a whole process model will be given, based on the individual system steps, to give a valuable assistance for process optimization.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigators: Professor Dr. Andreas Liese; Professor Dr.-Ing. Mirko Skiborowski