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Sustainability at molecular level

Copy space shot of laboratory tech, in protective gear, looking through the microscope and analyzing scientific samples.

When it comes to sustainability, many people think of the big picture: forests, oceans, endangered species.

But a more sustainable approach can also make a big difference in the case of what are sometimes the smallest building blocks of life, enzymes. Brenntag is working together with Swiss com- pany INOFEA, which has developed a technology to protect enzymes during processing in chemical production. This means, for example, that in the best-case scenario, pharma- ceuticals can be manufactured without any environmentally harmful substances and using less energy.
Enzymes are important for organisms. Almost all metabolic processes that take place in living beings need enzymes to drive them. The active proteins are highly selective as biocat- alysts and trigger or have a significant impact on particular chemical reactions. Each enzyme is also very specific and catalyzes a particular chemical reaction. The environment also has to be exactly right for enzymes. If it is too acidic or too alkaline, too hot or too cold, they cease to function. Working with enzymes can therefore be a challenge.
Chemist testing in the laboratory, Duisburg, Germany
For this reason, chemical catalysis is often used to speed up chemical reactions. Traditionally, metal catalysts such as aluminum oxide, platinum or rhodium are frequently used. They can withstand high temperatures and pressure. However, this method has several disadvantages: The metal catalysts are toxic, can only be separated and recycled with difficulty, and must be used under extreme conditions in order to perform well. Metal catalysts are not specific for a particular type of reaction and therefore produce by-products that have to be removed.
“The collaboration with INOFEA is a unique one for Brenntag: None of our other business partners offers such a specialized and customized service in the field of biocatalysis. Added to this is the innovative approach to handling enzymes, which allows us to offer a solution that can help pharmaceuticals manufacturers to achieve their sustainability targets. En- zymes are fundamental components of life which, thanks to this technology, can also be used in the harshest chemical reactions. With this service, we want to demonstrate that, by making small changes, we can improve reactions and turn them into more sustainable processes,” says Catarina Gil Forte, Head of Industry Market Management, Synthesis and Biopharma, at Brenntag EMEA.
Two chemists working in the lab together, Singapore

The latest biotechnology makes enzymes reusable

To move beyond metals as catalysts, Brenntag is working with INOFEA. The Swiss biotech company has developed a process to give immobilized enzymes a polymer protective shield. As a result, the enzymes can not only carry out the reaction in difficult conditions, as they are less sensitive to fluctuating pH values or temperatures. They can also be reused, as they are not inactivated during the reaction and can easily be recovered.
For use by pharmaceuticals companies, the enzymes and their protective shield need to be developed individually and according to the end application. Although this initially leads to higher costs, these can be offset by the gains in efficiency and reusability. In each application, reactivity remains high enough across several production cycles. At the same time, energy costs fall, as lower temperatures can be used, unlike in traditional catalysis. And in the best-case scenario, no harmful waste is produced because no metals are used.

Biocatalysis

Biocatalysis is a process that uses enzymes to start, speed up or control chemical reactions. They are used to this end in manufacturing drugs such as insulin. But the production of beer, wine or cheese is also based on biocatalytic processes in bacteria, yeasts or fungi.

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