Research
Design of new chemoenzymatic cascades
Inspired by nature, synthetic chemists try to mimic the efficient metabolic networks in living organisms to build complex molecules by combining different types of catalysts in the same reaction vessel. These multistep cascade processes provide many advantages to synthetic procedures, resulting in higher yields with lower waste generation and cost. In this project, we try to design novel routes to chiral compounds by combining different chemo- and biocatalysts.
Construction of Hybrid Catalysts
By incorporating non-native metal ions inside protein scaffolds, novel enzyme-catalysed non-natural reactions can be generated. In this project, we try to design new artificial metalloenzymes and study their potential applications in synthetic chemistry.
Industrial biocatalysis
The transition into a more sustainable society will require a major transformation in many different aspects which affect our day-to-day lives. The chemical industry has a significant impact on our society since it provides a vast array of products we use every day, such as pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, plastics, and cosmetics. In this project, we aim to develop a diverse biocatalyst toolbox to convert bio-based alkanes into carbonyl compounds, which are key intermediates in synthetic chemistry.