Research Seminar: Lecture by Dr. Tsvetan Kardashliev, FHNW School of Life Sciences

Oxidative biocatalysis offers selective C-H oxyfunctionalisation under mild aqueous conditions, yet few oxygenase reactions reach preparative or industrial scale. This talk gives a short overview of the enzyme classes used for biocatalytic oxidation. It then dissects the catalyst- and process-related factors that determine implementation: activity and selectivity, overoxidation and uncoupling, cofactor regeneration, oxygen transfer, substrate and product toxicity, and host metabolic burden.

A case study from the speaker's work follows one whole-cell monooxygenase system from wild-type catalyst through directed evolution to pilot scale-up, including a comparison of environmental metrics with the chemical route. The recurring lesson is that engineering targets defined by process constraints are what move an oxidation from flask to reactor.

To ensure that the research seminars are an enjoyable experience for everyone, please bear the following in mind:

• If you arrive late, enter the room quietly, close the door gently and take your seat.
• It is fine to eat a light snack discreetly, but please do so without making any noise or distracting other participants.
• Please give the guest speaker your full attention and do not use your laptop or phone.

Thank you very much.