Power to value-added products via electro-biotechnology: Production of bulk chemicals by combining electrochemical and biocatalytic steps in “one-pot” with “green” electricity

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By bridging the expertises in electrochemistry (Schäfer group, Osnabrück University) and biocatalysis (Gröger group, Bielefeld University), this tandem project centers on the development of a novel type of chemoenzymatic one-pot cascade process technology consisting of an electrochemical functionalization of an organic molecule, followed by an enzyme-catalyzed step in which the intermediate is then converted into the final desired target molecule. Such types of combinations of electrochemistry and biotechnology will enable “formal” access to so-called “dream reactions”, defined as chemical transformations, for which no (single) catalyst exists yet. For instance, in this project a direct one-pot amination of (substituted) toluenes under formation of (substituted) benzylamines will be addressed. Taking advantage of utilizing solely O2 (from air) and ammonia, such a sustainable process technology would be also highly attractive for future applications in bioeconomy in terms of novel manufacturing routes for value-added bulk chemicals and power-to-product processes. Such a one-pot cascade strategy is based on an initial electrochemical oxidation of toluene(s) leading to benzaldehyde(s) and subsequent enzymatic reductive amination under formation of benzylamines. It is noteworthy that as a second electrochemical step, reduction of the in situ-formed oxidative form of the cofactor, NAD+, thus regenerating the cofactor NADH being needed for the enzymatic reductive amination, will be conducted. Thus, for this process only O2 and NH3 are needed as reagents and “green energy” (solar energy, wind energy). A challenge, however, will be to realize the individual steps preferably in water as well as to achieve compatibility of these steps.