Microbiology Department, DEPBIO, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
Biocatalysis: the evolution of searching for or developing novel enzymes
Host: L. Zerbini
Abstract
Over the past 25 years, our group has worked on
the discovery and development of biocatalysts by
exploring microbial biodiversity as a source of novel
and useful enzymes. The strategies employed have
evolved significantly during this period, moving from
the screening of isolated microorganisms and genomic
libraries to modern genome mining approaches and the
rational engineering of enzyme function.
This talk will provide an overview of that evolution,
highlighting representative case studies from different
stages of this journey. Examples will include the
identification of new biocatalysts through genome
mining, the rational redesign of enzymes to improve
activity and substrate scope, and the development
of immobilized biocatalysts for practical applications.
Particular emphasis will be placed on recent efforts
aimed at the synthesis of radiotracer precursors for
positron emission tomography (PET), illustrating how
enzyme discovery, engineering, and immobilization can
be integrated to address challenges in the preparation of
high-value compounds.
International Seminar Programme
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