Biocatalytic Reductions: We have discovered a number of new biocatalytic reductions using anaerobic bacteria. These reactions are either not possible using chemocatalysis or other types of biocatalysts, or the selectivity/reaction rate/yield is too low for exploitation. In contrast, the new biocatalysts offer substantial advantages. We are purifying and characterising the enzymes responsible, and we shall develop routes for exploiting the biotransformations in industry. The reactions include: Asymmetric hydrogenation of C-C double bonds; C-N double bond reduction (using virtual libraries); Biocatalytic reduction of aliphatic nitro groups; Biocatalytic amide reduction We collaborate closely with John Gardiner on these projects, and the research is funded by BBSRC, CoEBio3 and Green Biologics.

Improving the stability of whole cell biocatalysts: We are using a systems biology approach to identify the genes that determine the stability of whole cell biocatalysts. The data from transcriptome, proteome and metabolome analysis are being linked to biocatalyst stability using supervised learning algorithms. Once the genes determining biocatalyst performance have been identified and ranked, metabolically engineered host cells will be constructed to verify the predictions experimentally. This will be the first step in designing a generic, "minimum" host cell for high productivity redox biocatalysis. This project is in collaboration with Roy Goodacre and is funded by BBSRC.

Biocatalysis in ionic liquids: Conventional molecular solvents have been used very widely in biocatalytic reaction systems, but there are numerous problems relating to environmental acceptability, safety and the restricted range of solvents available. Ionic liquids are green, environmentally friendly solvents, and most importantly, a very wide range of ionic liquids is available. This means that the solvent can be designed to match the requirements of the process. We are developing the use of ionic liquids for biotransformations in collaboration with Ken Seddon (Queen's University Belfast). Projects include studies on the conformation of enzymes in ionic liquids, and the development of oxygenase- and reductase-catalysed biotransformations using whole cells in ionic liquids. An industry-funded project is focussed on developing an enzymatic process to remove chewing gum from paevments.

Integrating biocatalysis with chemocatalysis: This project aims to develop new approaches to obtain efficient production of synthetically useful chemicals from renewable and waste feedstocks. We have integrated the fermentation of waste glycerol to propane-1.3-diol with chemical catalysis to produce complex amines.  The key "trick" is to use multiphase reaction systems based on ionic liquids.  The next steps will be to extend the approach to a wider range of fermentations and downstream chemical catalysis, and also to develop integrated microreaction systems.  The project is by EPSRC and involves scientists at Manchester, Bath, Nottingham, Belfast and Liverpool.

• Self-sustaining Biological Systems