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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R20427/01
Title: Screening of Aldolases Constructed By Directed Evolution For Use as Clean Catalysts In Organic Synthesis
Principal Investigator: Berry, Professor A
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Research Centre Juelich Technical University of Darmstadt University of Bern
University of Leeds
Department: Inst of Molecular & Cellular Biology
Organisation: University of Leeds
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 08 January 2001 Ends: 07 January 2004 Value (£): 21,268
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Bioprocess Engineering Catalysis & Applied Catalysis
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Chemicals Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The directed evolution of enzymes is recognised as the most efficient way to generate desired new activities. We have initiated a programme of research to generate new variants of the fructose bisphosphate aldolase and sialic acid synthase. As part of an EU COST Chemistry Action (D12/0008/98 New Biotransformations using Engineered Enzymes and Catalytic Antibodies ) directed evolution variants of transaldolase are also being produced. This application seeks funds to support all of these projects by providing automated screening facilities for the selection of active variants. A variety of screening assays based on (i) the linked enzyme production and detection of NADH, (ii) on the use of chromogenic or fluorogenic reagents and (iii) on the use of chromogenic or fluorogenic substrates will be used. Directed evolution of the enzymes will use the DNA shuffling approach and large numbers of potential variants (around 10,000 to 50,000) will be screened for activity. New active enzymes will be further used to produce important sugars and sugar analogues, or for the production of other useful chiral synthons for clean synthetic chemistry.
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Organisation Website: http://www.leeds.ac.uk