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In this NWO VIDI research, we will leverage advanced protein engineering techniques to identify an efficient enzyme catalyst for this challenging reaction. By combining our expertise in enzyme biocatalysis and the use of non-canonical amino acids as catalytic residues, we aim to pioneer a greener solution to this complex chemical transformation.

Ivana DrienovskáDepartment of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Chemist Ivana Drienovská receives the Vidi for her research Greening Our World: Unlocking Enzymatic Solutions for the Fluorination Reaction

For decades, scientists have marveled at the remarkable catalytic power of enzymes. We have successfully harnessed their power for many applications, but biocatalysts still fall short in meeting the diverse demands of synthetic chemistry. Creating tailored biocatalysts for new-to-nature transformations remains a persistent goal in chemical biology. One such transformation is fluorination. Fluorination is an extremely important reaction as 30% of agrochemicals and 20% of pharmaceuticals contain fluorine. Traditional chemical methods, though effective, often involve expensive or hazardous substances and harsh conditions, prompting the need for gentler and more efficient approaches.

“In this NWO VIDI research, we will leverage advanced protein engineering techniques to identify an efficient enzyme catalyst for this challenging reaction. By combining our expertise in enzyme biocatalysis and the use of non-canonical amino acids as catalytic residues, we aim to pioneer a greener solution to this complex chemical transformation”, says Ivana.

This is the type of multi-disciplinary research we love to see at AIMMS. Combining expertises to tackle complex issues is exactly where we want to be. Congratulations Ivana!