BespokeBiocatalysis.htm

Click here to download CoEBio3 Annual Report

Bespoke Biocatalysis Team

Introduction

The Bespoke Biocatalysis Team (BBT) is a confidential contract research service. We carry out feasibility projects to assist industry in the discovery and development of biocatalysts for the manufacture of commercially important molecules. The BBT is a specialised unit within the CoEBio3 and is based within the Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre (pictured above) at the University of Manchester, UK.

Biocatalysis represents an exciting technology for the production of existing and novel compounds. Biocatalysts are enzymes or microbial cells (containing enzymes), that biotransform a substrate into an important molecule. Such biocatalytic reactions can result in reduced cost and time, together with improved safety compared to synthetic chemistry reactions. Furthermore, the exquisite nature of biocatalysts imparts the ability to catalyse very selective reactions, allowing for the production of molecules that cannot easily be synthesised using standard chemistry. Finally, biocatalysis is generally regarded as an environmentally benign technology.

Our Mission Statement

“To provide our clients with an efficient research service for discovery of biocatalysis tools for production of commercially important molecules” Dr Andy Ellis (Bespoke Biocatalysis Team Leader). ppt

Services Available

Desk-based feasibility projects (consultancy)
Rapid response screening projects
Longer-term screening projects
Enhancement of biocatalysts by directed evolution and site-directed mutagenesis (including the use of homology modelling)
Laboratory-scale biocatalysis-reaction optimisation
Access to production scale-up and development facilities

Benefits

Access to a diverse range of biocatalysis tools
Access to in-house interdisciplinary expertise (including Dr Andy Ellis, microbiology & biocatalysis;
Professor Nick Turner, over 150 research papers and patents on biocatalysis; Dr John Whittall, organic chemist with industrial biocatalysis experience; Paul Goddard, commercial experience of reactor engineering, chemistry and biocatalysis; Dr Tim Snape, organic chemist and biocatalysis)
Access to cutting edge technology
Rapid response
Impartial approach
Highest respect for client confidentiality
Flexible approach to business

Industries We Serve

Theoretically, if the need exists, we will try to find a biotransformation solution for any industry. Typical clients are:

Pharmaceutical (e.g. biocatalysis for the production of active pharmaceutical intermediates)
Fine Chemical
Fragrance
Flavour

We are more than happy to discuss biocatalysis projects with any clients, so please feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you source the biocatalysts used in your screening projects?
Typically, we source biocatalysts from various locations: (i) from our in-house collection of proprietary strains and enzymes (ii) from our academic partners world-wide (iii) strains from national culture collections (iv) enzymes from commercial enzyme manufacturers. We use our in house expertise to select biocatalysts appropriate to the reaction of interest.

What are your areas of expertise?
Current areas of expertise include: monooxygenases; nitroreductases; azoreductases; biooxidation of alcohols to aldehydes; Bayer-Villiger oxidases (ketones to lactones); deracemisation of amines, alcohols and sulfoxides; racemases; oxynitrilases; and enzymatic modification of carbohydrates. However, we would be happy to consider projects outside of these areas

How do we find out more?
For an informal discussion on how the Bespoke Biocatalysis Team can assist your business, please contact:
Dr Andy Ellis, Bespoke Biocatalysis Team Leader on +44 (0) 161 306 5103 [andrew.ellis@manchester.ac.uk] or
Mrs Paula Tipton on +44 (0) 161 306 5100 [paula.tipton@manchester.ac.uk].

How do we initiate a project?
Following preliminary discussion with Dr Andy Ellis and completion of a confidentiality agreement, we ask you to detail your request using our project application form. A project plan will then be agreed by both parties prior to commencing any research.