Cyclopropanes are used as precursors for the synthesis of many pharmaceutical compounds and are common structures present in many biological molecules.  Their synthesis is often highly stereoselective, which makes them perfect targets for the utilization of bioprocessing approaches. Continuous processing paradigms combined with engineered enzyme enabling technologies are here applied toward the synthesis of pharmacologically-active cyclopropane rings (“Enz-Flow”). These innovative approaches to the manufacturing of these molecules are anticipated to produce more sustainable and higher yields in shorter periods of time. A series of reactions utilizing immobilized enzymes have been conducted in order to determine optimal conditions for enantioselective cyclopropane synthesis.  The immobilization techniques utilized include encapsulation in calcium alginate and other immobilization resins.  These approaches are currently being applied to optimized syntheses of pharmaceuticals such as levomilnacipran, prescribed for major depressive disorder (MDD) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

Continuous bioprocessing/processing (enz-flow) approaches toward levomilnacipran synthesis

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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