(671g) Application-Driven Biocatalyst Discovery and Optimization

The intended application for an enzyme can often determine whether protein engineering is employed to create a biocatalyst that meets process specifications for yield, selectivity and cost, or if bioprospecting is utilized to discover a wild-type enzyme that meets these requirements.

For applications such as enzymatic bleaching or disinfection, variants of a Thermotoga maritima perhydrolase have been prepared with significantly improved specific activity, and improved selectivity for peracetic acid production, via perhydrolysis of acetyl esters. In contrast, wild-type glucosyltransferases that produce polysaccharides or oligosaccharides having the solubility, viscosity, digestibility and fermentability required for use in food products such as yogurt or food bars have been identified through bioinformatics analysis and selective screening. A comparison of the enzyme selection methods employed for these two applications illustrates how different approaches for biocatalyst discovery can be used to meet the needs of a given application.