Unprecedented control of cofactor regeneration using Microfluidic Device that Performs Electrochemical Synthetic Reactions
This microfluidic device is an electrochemical cell based on multi-stream laminar flow. It allows for specific control over reactions taking place at the electrodes. For example, the regeneration of cofactors that are important for biocatalysis can be performed at good conversion efficiencies in this microfluidic device, whereas cofactor regeneration according to the same principle is impossible at the macroscale. A dynamic membrane is generated inside microchannels as a result of the multi-stream laminar flow to provide this new ability for control. Graphite plates or other conductive materials can serve in combination of any or all of the purposes of (i) catalyst support structure; (ii) the material that provides in part the dimensions of the microfluidic channel structure through which the reactants flow; and (iii) the collector of the current resulting from the electrochemical process taking place on the electrodes.
Description/Details
For the synthesis of goods such as pharmaceuticals, perfumes, sweeteners, etc. direct, stereoselective synthetic steps yielding the desired chiral configuration only are highly preferred over a non-stereoselective route requiring an often cumbersome separation of the racemic mixture.
The coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) often serves as a cofactor in dehydrogenation reactions that are catalyzed by dehydrogenases. Direct conversion of NAD+ into the active NADH at the electrode is difficult: intermediate radicals dimerize and various inactive isomers are formed. These problems can be overcome, yet not without significant effort.
The microchemical system described here exploits the properties of fluid flow in electrochemical microreactors for the enzyme-catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of biologically relevant molecules. The unique capability of multistream laminar flow-based microreactors to focus reactants close to the cathode allows for efficient regeneration of NADH.
Applications
Regeneration of cofactors for biocatalytic synthesis of: Fine Chemicals Pharmaceuticals Animal Feeds Petrochemicals Consumer Care additives Antibiotics Flavors
Benefits
- Control over reactions - Use of multi-stream laminar flow allows for control over reactions taking place at the electrodes
- Multi-functional components - The device can simultaneously be used as a: Support structure for the catalyst Substrate for the catalyst Current collector
- Microscale embodiment - Enables reactions that are not attainable at the macro domain with desired yield, for example, the regeneration of cofactors.