Non-naturally occurring amino acids are used as pharmaceutical intermediates and precursors for combinatorial synthesis. The large number of recent drug candidates based on non-naturally occurring amino acids has created strong demand for these key pharmaceutical building blocks. The proposed research focuses on the development of a transamination process for the production of non-naturally occurring amino acids. The process is a chiral synthesis, not a resolution, leading to efficient use of carbon and reduced waste, and the technology may be applied broadly to produce a wide range of amino acid targets. High chemical yields can be achieved from simple, inexpensive precursors. The method has been demonstrated with four target non-naturally occurring amino acids having immediate commercial applications. To provide sufficient enzyme for preparative-scale reactions and establish the means for commercial production, genes encoding key transaminases from different classes and including D-transaminases will be cloned and expressed. The production of both D- and L-amino acids will be demonstrated on the 100 gram scale. Immobilization methods will be optimized. An improved method for driving the reaction to completion will be implemented by incorporating a decarboxylase into the biocatalyst. Finally, the stereoselective production of 8 different 15N-labeled amino acids will be demonstrated.

Proposed Commercial Applications

Production of non-naturally occurring amino acids for pharmaceutical intermediates; building blocks for peptide analogs and for combinatorial synthesis

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44AI045241-03
Application #
6374135
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-Z (01))
Program Officer
Lees, Robert
Project Start
2000-04-01
Project End
2002-03-31
Budget Start
2001-04-01
Budget End
2002-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$297,365
Indirect Cost
Name
Biocatalytics, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
004311176
City
Pasadena
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
91106