Almac introduces selectAZyme biocatalyst range

17 May 2011

Almac has launched the selectAZyme brand of biocatalysts, adding to its large range of enzymes.

Biocatalysis is increasingly recognised as an alternative solution for solving complex chemistry problems due to its rapid implementation, economic benefits and 'green', reputation.

Dr Tom Moody, Almac Head of Biocatalysis, said, “The selectAZyme brand conveys Almac’s strong biocatalysis offering. Almac is providing a diverse, A-Z range of enzymes including reductases, transaminases, hydrolases, nitrilases and many others.

"In collaboration with our customers, Almac selects the optimum enzyme to provide an efficient and cost effective process. Almac enzymes are used in the A-Z of applications from medicinal chemistry to full production and in the manufacture of specialty chemicals. The key strength of enzymes is the high selectivity of the chemical reactions they catalyze”

The rapid scale-up from biocatalyst screening to production prompted the recent paradigm shift to bioprocessing acceptance for the synthesis of APIs and fine chemicals. Biocatalysis is Almac’s first choice for any scale-up of chiral chemistry due to the cost, efficiency, robustness and ‘green’ benefits that result.

Metabolite synthesis is another tool within selectAZyme’s service offering providing access to both oxidative and glycosylated products. Almac has implemented state-of-the-art biocatalytic technology for rapid metabolite synthesis, isolation and structural identification.

Almac has developed recombinant P450 technology for accessing metabolites at mg to 100s grams. These enzymes, which mimic human P450 systems, are a powerful tool for accessing metabolites rapidly.

 “The marriage of microbial and recombinant enzymes is a real powerhouse in accessing difficult to synthesise metabolites. The scale-up capability allows Almac to rapidly take 'hits' from conception to gram delivery as and when the customer requires the products,” Dr Moody continued.