Synthetic chemistry approach yields new compounds with potential biomedical applications

The study marks a significant advancement in chemical synthesis techniques, leveraging modern organic chemistry and engineered enzymes

10-May-2024 - Researchers at Rice University have successfully synthesized a group of natural compounds known as fusicoccanes. The molecules, found in various living organisms, exhibit diverse biological activities, including the ability to modulate protein-protein interactions within biological systems. The ...

A synthetic antibiotic may help turn the tide against drug-resistant pathogens

"This isn't just a cool new molecule, it's a validation of a novel approach to drug discovery"

02-Jun-2022 - A new antibiotic, synthesized at The Rockefeller University and derived from computer models of bacterial gene products, appears to neutralize even drug-resistant bacteria. The compound, named cilagicin, works well in mice and employs a novel mechanism to attack MRSA, C. diff, and several other ...

The AETX files: Work to unravel widespread bald eagle fatalities gathers pace

Scientists succeed in totally synthesizing eagle killer venom

15-Jul-2021 - This March, the discovery of the toxic natural substance aetocthonotoxin (AETX) attracted huge media attention. In a study published in Science, pharmacists from Halle University proved the role of this substance in triggering mass species extinctions among American bald eagles and other birds of ...

RNA Microchips

A new chapter in ribonucleic acid synthesis

08-Nov-2018 - Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is, along with DNA and protein, one of the three primary biological macromolecules and was probably the first to arise in early life forms. In the “RNA world” hypothesis, RNA is able to support life on its own because it can both store information and catalyze biochemical ...

Artificial enzymes convert solar energy into hydrogen gas

08-Oct-2018 - In a new scientific article, researchers at Uppsala University describe how, using a completely new method, they have synthesised an artificial enzyme that functions in the metabolism of living cells. These enzymes can utilize the cell's own energy, and thereby enable hydrogen gas to be produced ...

Catalysts combination opens doors to making useful compounds

17-Aug-2018 - Researchers have developed a new method that aids in the process of making valuable compounds by using a unique combination of catalysts. Huimin Zhao, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and leader of the Biosystems Design research theme at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic ...

Biocatalysts are a bridge to greener, more powerful chemistry

15-Nov-2017 - New research from the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute is building a bridge from nature's chemistry to greener, more efficient synthetic chemistry. Researchers in the lab of Alison Narayan analyzed biocatalysts evolved by nature for their effectiveness in a variety of synthetic ...

Biocatalysis gives access to novel substance classes and elusive species

Novel Manich catalysts and bicyclic carboxylic acid esters synthesised

24-Oct-2017 - The application of Enzymicals recombinant pig liver isoenzymes (rPLE) enables the synthesis of novel, optical pure diastereomers of substituted proline, which shows activity as anti-Mannich catalyst. Additionally, rPLE is the key for successful production of a previously unavailable bicyclic ...

Greener molecular intermediates may aid drug design

07-Jul-2017 - Scientists at Rice University have simplified their approach to synthesize a highly versatile family of precursors en route to biologically active compounds. Their method should make drug design and development cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Synthetic chemist László Kürti and ...

In-mouse catalysis

Organ-targeted metal-complex catalysis within living biological systems

21-Feb-2017 - Address and deliver: A gold catalyst can be delivered to a target organ in a higher organism where it performs a chemical transformation visualized by bioimaging. This intriguing approach has been introduced by a Japanese team of scientists. It could make organometallic catalysis applicable for ...