Objective
Enzymes are remarkably efficient catalysts and their recent use in non-aqueous organic solvents is opening a tremendous range of applications in synthetic chemistry: since, surprisingly, most enzymes do not denature in these non-natural environments, new reactions involving e.g. water-insoluble reagents can be catalyzed, while unwanted degradation side reactions are suppressed.
However, a key challenge for these applications is to overcome the greatly reduced catalytic activity compared to aqueous conditions. Empirically, adding activators such as salts or small amounts of water dramatically enhances the activity, but the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive, thus preventing a rational optimization.
Through analytic modeling and numerical simulations, our project will provide the first atomic-scale detailed description of enzyme catalysis in organic solvents, including the key role of the environment. We will then use this unprecedented molecular insight to design rigorous new procedures for the rational engineering of systems with dramatically enhanced activities, both through optimized choices of solvents and additives, and through targeted protein mutations.
Specifically, we will first rigorously establish the influence of enzyme flexibility on catalytic activity through an original model accounting for the dynamic disorder arising from conformation fluctuations. Second, we will provide the first molecular explanation of the commonly invoked “lubricating” action of added water. Third, the underlying mechanism of the much employed salt-induced activation will be determined, probably calling for a radical change from the currently used picture of a water-mediated action.
Far-reaching practical impacts are expected for the numerous industrial syntheses already employing biocatalysis in non-aqueous media.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis biocatalysis
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
ERC-2011-StG_20101014
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Host institution
75794 PARIS
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.