Biocatalysis as a Tool for the Synthetic Chemist

23 March 2026 - 31 March 2026

Online Event

Training

Event overview

Course tutors: Dr Andrew Wells

The aim of the course is to give organic chemists an understanding and an overview of the subject of biotransformations.

Attendees will learn about the main classes of enzymes and the transformations these enzymes carry out.

Each transformation type will be illustrated with examples and case studies and the course will also include problem sessions where attendees will work on real examples applying biotransformations to organic synthesis.

Recent developments in the field will be covered as well as an overview of the sort of equipment and resources required.

This online course will take place over four live sessions, on the following dates and times:

PDT: 7.00am-10.00am | CDT: 9.00am-12.00pm | EDT: 10.00am-1.00pm | GMT: 2.00pm-5.00pm | CET: 3.00pm-6.00pm

– Monday 23rd March
– Tuesday 24th March

PDT: 6.00am-9.00am | CDT: 8.00am-11.00pm | EDT: 9.00am-12.00pm | BST: 2.00pm-5.00pm | CEST: 3.00pm-6.00pm

– Monday 30th March
– Tuesday 31st March

Course Outline

Introduction to Biocatalysis

Literature sources for biocatalysis (books and review articles)
Myths about biocatalysis / pros and cons of biocatalysis
Enzyme / protein basics, basic microbiology
Sources of biocatalysts
Equipment requirements
Enzyme types

Hydrolytic Enzymes (Lipases, esterases, amidases, proteases)

Mechanism of hydrolysis by enzymes
Kinetic resolution
Use of organic solvents
Dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR)
Deracemisation
Ester, amide, nitrile and epoxide hydrolysis
concentration

Oxidations

Alcohol oxidation
Amine oxidation, deracemisation of amines and amino acids
Bio-oxygenation, bio-hydroxylation
Demethylation
Epoxidation
Bayer-Villiger oxidation
Sulphoxidation

Reduction

Ketone reduction, Prelog rules
Co-factors
Deracemisation of secondary alcohols
Enantioselective reduction / DKR
Keto-ester reduction
C=C reduction

C-C and C-X bond formation

Aldol reactions
Transketolases
Cross benzoin reactions
Hydroxy-nitrile lyases
Michael reactions
Transamination
Fumarase and aspartase

Scale Up of Biotransformations

Reactors
Case studies

New Developments including Directed Evolution

Polymerase Chain Reaction
Mutagenesis
Directed Evolution
Product isolation

Pros and Cons of Biocatalysis

Summary
Q&A, discussion

Who Should Attend

Any Organic Chemist involved in synthesis, particularly those involved in designing novel, green synthetic routes.
Chemists who want to learn how biocatalysis can help them.
Those involved in the scale-up of biocatalytic reactions.

What's Included

The course fee includes:

Link to watch all four live sessions
Electronic version of the course manual*
Course certificate

For this on line course, there will be no recordings available and *the e reader manual is NOT printable or downloadable (due to copyright). If you prefer a hard copy of the manual you will have the opportunity of purchasing a professionally printed hard copy during the booking process.

Other Information

Special Offers

1st delegate: Standard rate
2nd delegate: 5% discount
3–6 delegates: 10% discount
More than 6 delegates: Contact our Events Team for a customised group rate or to discuss an In-House course: [email protected]

Certificate of Attendance

Upon completion of the course, participants can request a Certificate of Attendance.

Interestisting and helpful course, perfect for those starting in the biocatalysis field.

Biocatalysis as a Tool for the Synthetic Chemist Online 2022

Well organized and knowledgeable presenters. Course was full of very relevant information on approaches to biocatalysis from feasibility through industrialization with a nice spectrum of case studies on biocatalysis in fine chemicals and pharma. Appreciated the points made on opportunities with biocatalysis and other points beyond the chemistry that need to be considered (economics, quality, regulatory) when deciding on a biocatalytic vs. chemical route.

A broad type of enzymatic reaction was described. Tips and hints are very useful.

Online Biocatalysis, November 2020

Great overview of the world of enzyme catalyzed reactions.

Online Biocatalysis, November 2020

Fee info

Course Fee

£1,799.00 + VAT*

*VAT will be applied to companies based in the UK.

E-Reader:	Included
Printed Copy:	£120.00 + P&P

Special offer

Up to 10% discount available on multiple bookings

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