Porous Scaffolds for 3D biocatalysis using biofilms

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Biocatalysis is an advantageous process for the production of some chemicals; it offers stereoselectivity and stereospecificity when compared to many chemically-catalysed reactions, and so is frequently used for the production of pharmaceuticals. We have developed novel recombinant biofilm platforms for biocatalysis that outperform immobilised enzymes, cell lysates and whole planktonic cells in the biocatalytic generation of 5-halotryptophans, which are important pharmaceutical precursors. In this project we will prepare a library of porous polymer scaffolds (aka polyHIPEs) for supporting growth of recombinant bacterial biofilms. It is desirable to move from current planar biofilm supports to 3D porous scaffolds in order to increase catalyst loading and overall surface area, thus improving reaction efficiency. Scaffolds and bacteria developed in will be used to build a flow-through bioreactor in packed bed, trickle bed or monolith configurations.