Scale-up of enzymatic solid-to-solid peptide synthesis and enzyme recovery

The feasibility of scale-up for applications of enzymatic solid-to-solid sy nthesis of dipeptides was investigated by using Thermoase catalyzed synthes is of Z-Asp-Phe-OMe as a model reaction. The reaction system involves typic ally only 10% (w/w) enzyme suspension added to dry solid substrates. Enzyma tic solid-to-solid biocatalysis combines the main advantages of aqueous med ia, high catalytic activity, low water media, and high yields. A flow sheet for the whole process is described, as well as the use of a jacketed react or with an anchor stirrer for various steps of the process, including the n eutralization reaction to adjust the acid-base condition of the reaction mi xture. A solution for enzyme recycling, an important issue for scale-up app lications, is also suggested.