Compartmentalized cross-linked enzyme nano aggregates (c-CLEnAs) toward pharmaceutical transformations

A new immobilization strategy using compartmentalized nanoreactors is herein reported for two biocatalytic processes: (1) N-acetylneuraminate lyase (NAL) is internalized in NAL-c-CLEnAs and used in a continuous flow aldol condensation of N-acetyl-D-mannosamine with sodium pyruvate to N-acetylneuraminic acid; (2) two hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDH) 7α- and 7β-HSDH are incorporated in c-CLEnAs and used in a two-step cascade batch synthesis of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The versatile use of c-CLEnA demonstrates that this immobilization methodology is a valuable addition to the toolbox of synthetic chemists.