Abstract
This review describes a recently developed method for enzymatic synthesis with mainly undissolved substrates at very high concentrations. At the end of the reaction, up to 80% (w/w) reaction mixture is product, a fact which is promising in terms of industrial applications and large-scale systems. In comparison with other approaches for enzymatic peptide synthesis, this method gives a very high mass of product combined with good reaction yields and rates. We will analyze the historical development from two different directions which have been reported; these are described with terms like `solid-to-solid conversion' and `heterogenous eutectic mixtures'. The reaction requires and takes place in a liquid phase which, however, may be of very small volume. This review analyzes in detail the function of additional water or organic solvents (around 10% w/w). The liquid phase formed is usually dependent on these third components; however, it can also result from a eutectic two-substrate mixture. We summarize what is known so far about the thermodynamics and kinetics. Finally, the possibility for and main problems of scale up are discussed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 141-148 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Enzyme and Microbial Technology |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 1998 |
Keywords
- Enzymatic synthesis
- Heterogenous eutectic mixtures
- Peptide synthesis
- Proteases
- Solid-to-solid conversion