Modular micro reaction engineering for carboligation catalyzed by benzoylformate decarboxylase

Abstract

The downscale of different unit operations for the biocatalytic carboligation of benzaldehyde and acetaldehyde catalyzed by benzoylformate decarboxylase from Pseudomonas putida was investigated. The reactor volume was reduced to 115 μl thus enabling a substrate and enzyme saving by a factor of 52 in comparison to standard laboratory techniques. Additionally, the successful downscale of membrane based liquid-liquid contactors was shown, which allows, for example, the screening of solvents for extraction as well as the feed of a substrate. Here, comparable volumes as well as residence times were realized, enabling the integration of all three unit operations.

Keywords

• biocatalysis
• downscale
• enzyme
• membrane
• screening