Exploring (per)oxidases as biocatalysts for the synthesis of valuable aromatic compounds

Oxidases and peroxidases are two classes of enzymes found to have a significant importance in biocatalysis as they are capable of catalyzing reactions that are found to be difficult to be catalyzed by conventional chemical means. In this thesis, the importance of such enzymes and how they can be used in a variety of different applications is highlighted. A few examples of these applications include the use of both an oxidase and a peroxidase in a one-pot approach to synthesize lignin-like oligomers starting from a cheap starting material (eugenol). These oligomers can be used in various materials such as in asphalt or biodegradable plastics. Another important application of this oxidase-peroxidase system is the synthesis of syringaresinol. This compound has been found to have potential for use in medical as well as in synthetic chemistry fields. The research has also led to the identification and characterization of a few new peroxidases. For example, the DyP peroxidase from Cellulomonas bogoriensis has been expressed and was found to be a potent biocatalyst. The resurrection of an ancestral DyP peroxidase was also attempted and was successful. Ancestral enzymes usually have different properties from their descendants with regards to their promiscuity as well as their thermal stability. In short, this thesis discusses the applications of oxidases and peroxidases in different enzymatic reactions.