Directed Enzyme Evolution Laboratory

Among the broad repertory of the ligninolytic enzyme consortium, the unspecific peroxygenase (UPO) is shining as a versatile biocatalyst with potential applications in organic chemistry. UPO is a heme-thiolate peroxidase with mono(per)oxygenase activity for the selective oxyfunctionalization of C-H bonds. Fueled by catalytic concentrations of H2O2, which acts as both oxygen donor and as final electron acceptor, this stable, soluble and extracellular enzyme performs dozens of transformations that are of considerable interest in organic synthesis. In this TFM the student will apply cutting-edge in vitro and in silico directed evolution methods to engineer efficient peroxygenases for industrial applications within the context of current EU and national projects.