Use of molecularly imprinted polymers in a biotransformation process

Molecularly imprinted polymers are highly stable and can be sterilised, mak ing them ideal for use in biotransformation process. In this communication, we describe a novel application of molecularly imprinted polymers in an en zymatic reaction. The enzymatic condensation of Z-L-aspartic acid with L-ph enylalanine methyl ester to give Z-t-Asp-L-Phe-OMe (Z-aspartame) was chosen as a model system to evaluate the applicability of using molecularly impri nted polymers to facilitate product formation. When the product-imprinted p olymer is present, a considerable increase (40%) in product yield is obtain ed. Besides their use to enhance product yields, as demonstrated here, we s uggest that: imprinted polymers may also find use in the continuous removal of toxic compounds during biochemical reactions. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Son s, Inc.