Recently, Research Group Led by Prof. Zhong Fangrui published his research work entitled "Whole-cell-catalyzed hydrogenation/deuteration of aryl halides with a genetically repurposed photodehalogenase" on Chem.

Biocatalysis has become a vital tool for sustainable organic synthesis. However, a contradiction exists between the demand for diverse unnatural chemical synthesis from mankind and the enzyme repertoire defined by nature. As such, the innovation of artificial enzymes with functions beyond those found in nature is highly desirable for advancing biocatalysis toward sustainable organic synthesis. Herein, we show that a genetically repurposed, metal cofactor-free photodehalogenase is capable of performing hydrogenation/deuteration of aryl halides and can be operated in a whole-cell catalysis fashion. This study highlights the potential of chemically driven, man-made photosynthetic machinery for advancing green chemical manufacturing.

Link to this paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451929423001250