Speaker｜Dr. Hsin-Ya Tsai 蔡欣亞 (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University)
Date｜16th August 2024
Time｜16:00 – 17:00 (GMT+8)
Language｜English
Register｜https://cutt.ly/qejUubMe

ABSTRACT
Chemical synthesis amenable to scale-up production has long dominated the production of dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, plastics, polymers, and many other everyday products. However, traditional chemical synthesis often involves the use of solvents and hazardous materials and is characterized by low selectivity and the need for protective agents. This results in increased waste and reduced atom economy. As we strive for sustainability, green chemistry through biocatalysis presents a promising alternative. Biocatalysis ensures high selectivity and operates in aqueous systems, making it a sustainable option that reduces waste and improves efficiency, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry where high optical purity is crucial. In this talk, I will share recent advancements in biocatalysis and use our research on biocatalytic phosphorylation as an example to demonstrate improved efficiency and reduced waste. Additionally, I will address the pressing issue of agro-byproduct recycling, which presents a significant challenge due to their low value. This has led to the concept of upcycling, where byproducts are transformed into valuable products, enhancing the circular economy. Despite its potential, biocatalysis faces challenges, including limited knowledge about enzyme functions and enzyme stability, which are obstacles to industrial application. Discovering or rationally designing new enzymes and improving their stability are key to expanding the toolbox of available biocatalysts for a broader application scope. This exploration into the potential of biocatalysis may pave the way for creating innovative, green solutions for a sustainable future.