Stereoselective amino acid synthesis by photobiocatalytic oxidative coupling. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38693411/)

These scientists wanted to find a new way to make different kinds of molecules that are not usually found in nature. They used a special type of reaction called photobiocatalysis, where they used light to help an enzyme do its job better.

In their study, the scientists were able to combine two different types of molecules, organoboron reagents and amino acids, in a way that had never been done before. To do this, they used a combination of engineered enzymes, catalysts that help speed up reactions, and an oxidizing agent.

By modifying a group of enzymes called threonine aldolases, the scientists were able to make new molecules called alpha-tri- and tetrasubstituted non-canonical amino acids. These molecules had special structures with two specific shapes called stereocenters.

Through their research, the scientists were able to create a method for joining these molecules together in a very precise and controlled way. This allowed them to make new molecules that had never been made before using a combination of light and enzymes.

Wang TC., Mai BK., Zhang Z., Bo Z., Li J., Liu P., Yang Y. Stereoselective amino acid synthesis by photobiocatalytic oxidative coupling. Nature. 2024 May;629(8010):98-104. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07284-5. Epub 2024 May 1.