Method for Enzyme-Assisted Plasma Chemical Reaction

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a method for performing enzymatic reactions using plasma-generated reactive species in water, where plasma and the enzyme-catalyzed reaction take place simultaneously in the same vessel. The key advance is that certain enzymes, particularly those that usually require cofactors, can catalyze reactions without those added cofactors because short-lived plasma species take over the role of cofactors. Enzymes can be immobilized on carrier beads to maintain their activity during the plasma exposure. This technique enables efficient, selective, and flexible biocatalytic chemical reactions, such as the reduction of carbon dioxide to formic acid, without the cost or complexity of supplying extra cofactors.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Industrial synthesis of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals using greener processes.
• Conversion of carbon dioxide to formic acid or other fuels as part of CO2 utilization or climate action strategies.
• Wastewater treatment via enzymatic removal or degradation of toxic substances.
• Degradation or modification of polymers (such as plastics and lignin) to produce valuable materials or for recycling.
• Biosynthesis processes that typically require expensive cofactors, reducing their cost and complexity.
• Modification or breakdown of alcohols, amines, aldehydes, and ketones for industrial biotechnology.
• On-site, small-scale chemical synthesis where cofactor handling is impractical.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Eliminates the need to add expensive or unstable enzyme cofactors, reducing process costs.
• Allows for simultaneous, one-pot reactions which improve efficiency (no need to separately generate plasma species or cofactors).
• Enables the use of green, energy-efficient plasma technologies in combination with highly selective enzymatic catalysis.
• Facilitates more sustainable and eco-friendly chemical synthesis, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner production.
• Applicable to a broad range of enzymes and reactions, increasing versatility in biotechnology and chemical manufacturing.
• Immobilization protects enzyme activity during plasma exposure and allows enzyme reuse or continuous processing.
• Potential for improved yields, selectivity, and process control compared to traditional enzymatic or plasma methods alone.

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Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for performing an enzymatic reaction, wherein the enzymatic reaction is performed in a reaction volume in the presence of water using plasma-generated species. The method is characterized in that plasma is generated in said reaction volume.