Tandem Catalytic Systems Integrating Biocatalysts and Inorganic Catalysts Using Functionalized Porous Materials

Tandem Switch-Triggered On-Demand Synthesis of Aromatic Amines in High Yields

Tandem catalysis stands as a beacon of chemical sustainability. Although bifunctional catalysts have achieved wide success in two-step tandem reactions, achieving multi-step catalysis with three or more distinct and potentially incompatible catalytic sites and components remains an ambitious challenge. Here, we present a "tandem switch" strategy that transforms these incompatibilities into functional advantages, enabling on-demand production of primary, secondary, and tertiary aromatic amines, all with yields exceeding 96 %. A kinetic switch, enabled by phosphotungstic acid functionalization of the Ni-Ni(Al)O heterojunction catalyst, modulates the Ni-Ni and Ni-O boundary microenvironment to simultaneously accelerate the rate-determining steps in nitrobenzene hydrogenation, N-alkylation, and aza-Michael addition. Meanwhile, a thermodynamic switch, controlled by the competitive adsorption of ethanol, hydrogen, and acrylonitrile, stepwise minimizes Gibbs free energy to ensure a seamless reaction cascade. Hence, by toggling these tandem switches on or off, we achieve selective regulation of nitrobenzene conversion pathways into the production of targeted aromatic amine. Techno-economic analysis shows the developed process significantly reduces material and energy consumption for sustainable amine production.

Two-step tandem electrochemical conversion of oxalic acid and nitrate to glycine

This study presents a facile tandem strategy for improving the efficiency of glycine electrosynthesis from oxalic acid and nitrate. In this tandem electrocatalytic process, oxalic acid is first reduced to glyoxylic acid, while nitrate is reduced to hydroxylamine. Subsequent coupling of these two precursors results in the formation of a C-N bond, producing the intermediate glyoxylic acid oxime, which is further reduced in situ to glycine. Here we show, using only a simple Pb foil electrode, which maximizes the yield of the first step of the transformation (i.e. the reduction of oxalic acid to glyoxylic acid) prior to the coupling step allows for an unprecedented selectivity and conversion for glycine electrosynthesis to be achieved. Overall, a maximum glycine faradaic efficiency (FE) of 59% is achieved at -300 mA cm-2 and a high glycine partial current density of -232 mA cm-2 and a glycine production rate of 0.82 mmol h-1 cm-2 are attained at -400 mA cm-2, thereby paving the way for an energy and economically efficient electrochemical synthesis of glycine.

One-pot chemo- and photo-enzymatic linear cascade processes

The combination of chemo- and photocatalyses with biocatalysis, which couples the flexible reactivity of the photo- and chemocatalysts with the highly selective and environmentally friendly nature of enzymes in one-pot linear cascades, represents a powerful tool in organic synthesis. However, the combination of photo-, chemo- and biocatalysts in one-pot is challenging because the optimal operating conditions of the involved catalyst types may be rather different, and the different stabilities of catalysts and their mutual deactivation are additional problems often encountered in one-pot cascade processes. This review explores a large number of transformations and approaches adopted for combining enzymes and chemo- and photocatalytic processes in a successful way to achieve valuable chemicals and valorisation of biomass. Moreover, the strategies for solving incompatibility issues in chemo-enzymatic reactions are analysed, introducing recent examples of the application of non-conventional solvents, enzyme-metal hybrid catalysts, and spatial compartmentalization strategies to implement chemo-enzymatic cascade processes.

A chemo-biocatalyst based on glutamate oxidase-integrated biomimetic trimanganese tetraoxide as cascade composite nano-catalyst for synthesis of α‑Ketoglutaric acid

The combination of chemo- and biocatalysts to perform one-pot synthetic route has presented great challenges for decades. Herein, glutamate oxidase (GLOX) and trimanganese tetraoxide (Mn3O4) nanocrystals were combined for the first time by one-step biomineralization to construct a mimic multi-enzyme system (GLOX@Mn3O4) for chemoenzymatic synthesis of α‑ketoglutaric acid (α‑KG). Mn3O4 not only served as a support for the enzyme immobilization, but also contributed its catalytic activity to co-operate with natural enzymes for the cascade reactions. The as-synthesized chemo-enzyme catalysts with directly contacted catalytic sites of the enzyme and inorganic catalyst maximizes the substrate channeling effffects for in situ rapid decomposition of the oxidative intermediate, H2O2, during the enzymatic oxidation of sodium glutamate, thus relieving the inhibition of H2O2 accumulation for GLOX. Benefiting from the excellent stability and reusability of GLOX@Mn3O4, a nearly 100% conversion (99.7%) of l-glutamate to α-KG was achieved, over 4.7 times higher than that of the free GLOX system (21.2%). This work provides a feasibility for constructing a high-performance chemo-enzyme catalyst for cascade catalysis, especially for those reactions with toxic intermediates.

Bioderived Mesoporous Carbon@Tungsten Oxide Nanocomposite as a Drug Carrier Vehicle of Doxorubicin for Potent Cancer Therapy

Scientists have investigated the possibility of employing nanomaterials as drug carriers. These nanomaterials can preserve their content and transport it to the target region in the body. In this investigation, we proposed a simple method for developing distinctive, bioderived nanostructures with mesoporous carbon nanoparticles impregnated with tungsten oxide (WO3). Prior to characterizing and encapsulating WO3 with bioderived mesoporous carbon, the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was added to the nanoparticles and examined loading and release study. The approaches for both nanoparticle production and characterization are discussed in detail. Colloidal qualities of the nanomaterial can be effectively preserved while also allowing transdermal transportation of nanoparticles into the body by forming them into green, reusable, and porous nanostructures. Although the theories of nanoparticles and bioderived carbon each have been studied separately, the combination presents a new route to applications connected to nanomedicine. Furthermore, this sample was used to study exotic biomedical applications, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. The W-3 sample had lower antioxidant activity (44.01%) than the C@W sample (56.34%), which was the most potent. A high DOX entrapment effectiveness of 97% was eventually achieved by the C@W sample, compared to a pure WO3 entrapment efficiency of 91%. It was observed that the Carbon/WO3 composite (C@W) sample showed more efficacy because the mesoporous carbon composition with WO3 increases the average surface area and surface-active locations.

A Porphyrin-Based Covalent Organic Framework as Metal-Free Visible-LED-Light Photocatalyst for One-Pot Tandem Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation/Knoevenagel Condensation

A porphyrin-based covalent organic framework (COF), namely Porph-UOZ-COF (UOZ stands for the University of Zabol), has been designed and prepared via the condensation reaction of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)porphyrin (DHPP) with 1,4-benzenediboronic acid (DBBA), under the solvothermal condition. The solid was characterized by spectroscopic, microscopic, and powder X-ray diffraction techniques. The resultant multifunctional COF revealed an outstanding performance in catalyzing a one-pot tandem selective benzylic C-H photooxygenation/Knoevenagel condensation reaction in the absence of additives or metals under visible-LED-light irradiation. Notably, the catalytic activity of the COF was superior to individual organic counterparts and the COF was both stable and reusable for four consecutive runs. The present approach illustrates the potential of COFs as promising metal-free (photo) catalysts for the development of tandem reactions.

Au3+ -Functionalized UiO-67 Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles: O2•- and •OH Generating Nanozymes and Their Antibacterial Functions

The synthesis and characterization of Au³⁺ -modified UiO-67 metal-organic framework nanoparticles, Au³⁺ -NMOFs, are described. The Au³⁺ -NMOFs reveal dual oxidase-like and peroxidase-like activities and act as an active catalyst for the catalyzed generation of O₂^•- under aerobic conditions or •OH in the presence of H₂ O₂ . The two reactive oxygen species (ROS) agents O₂^•- and •OH are cooperatively formed by Au³⁺ -NMOFs under aerobic conditions, and in the presence of H₂ O_2. The Au³⁺ -NMOFs are applied as an effective catalyst for the generation ROS agents for antibacterial and wound healing applications. Effective antibacterial cell death and inhibition of cell proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterial colonies are demonstrated in the presence of the Au³⁺ -NMOFs. In addition, in vivo experiments demonstrate effective wound healing of mice wounds infected by S. aureus, treated by the Au³⁺ -NMOFs.

Enzyme-Loaded Hemin/G-Quadruplex-Modified ZIF-90 Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles: Bioreactor Nanozymes for the Cascaded Oxidation of N-hydroxy-l-arginine and Sensing Applications

Biocatalytic cascades are challenging to operate in homogeneous solution, where diffusional mass transport hinders efficient communication between the reactive components. There is great interest in developing devices to perform such transformations in confined environments, which increase the efficiency of the cascaded process by generating high local concentrations of the reactive species. Herein, a bioreactor-nanozyme assembly is introduced for the cascaded aerobic oxidation of N-hydroxy-l-arginine (NOHA) to citrulline in the presence of glucose. The reaction mimics a key step in the nitric oxide synthase oxidation of l-arginine in nature. The system consists of glucose oxidase (GOx)-loaded hemin/G-quadruplex (hemin/G4)-modified ZIF-90 metal-organic framework nanoparticles. The aerobic oxidation of glucose by GOx yields H₂ O₂ that fuels the hemin/G4-catalyzed oxidation of NOHA into citrulline. The process driven by the bioreactor-nanozyme system is ≈sixfold enhanced compared to the homogeneous mixture of the biocatalysts, due to its operation in the confined environment of the nanoparticles. Extension to a three-step cascade is then demonstrated using a bioreactor composed of β-galactosidase/GOx-loaded hemin/G4-modified ZIF-90 nanoparticles activating the cascaded oxidation of NOHA to citrulline, in the presence of lactose. Moreover, the bioreactor-nanozyme hybrid is applied as a functional optical sensor of glucose, using fluorescence or chemiluminescence as readout signals.

Rhodium-Iodide Complex on a Catalytically Active SiO2 Surface for One-Pot Hydrosilylation-CO2 Cycloaddition

In this study, a novel Rh-iodide complex was synthesized through a surface reaction between an immobilized Rh cyclooctadiene complex and alkylammonium iodide (N⁺ I^- ) on SiO₂ . In the presence of ammonium cations, the SiO₂ -supported Rh-iodide complex could be effectively used for the one-pot synthesis of various silylcarbonate derivatives starting from epoxy olefins, hydrosilanes, and CO₂ . The maximum turnover numbers (TONs) for the hydrosilylation reaction and the CO₂ cycloaddition were 7600 (Rh) and 130 (N⁺ I^- ), respectively. The catalyst exhibited much higher performance for hydrosilylation than solely the Rh complex on SiO₂ . The mechanism of the Rh-catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction and the local structure of Rh, which is affected by the co-immobilized N⁺ I^- , were investigated by using Rh and I K-edge XAFS and XPS. Analysis of the XAFS profiles indicated the presence of a Rh-I bond. The Rh unit was in its electron-rich state. Curve-fitting analysis of the Rh K-edge EXAFS profiles suggests dissociation of the cycloocta-1,5-diene (COD) ligand from the Rh center. Results from spectroscopic and kinetic analyses revealed that the high activity of the catalyst (during hydrosilylation) could be attributed to a decrease in steric hindrance and the electron-rich state of the Rh. The decrease in the steric hindrance could be attributed to the absence of COD, and the electron-rich state promoted the oxidative addition of Si-H. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a one-pot silylcarbonate synthesis as well as a determination of a novel surface Rh-iodide complex and its catalysis.

Cobalt Phosphate Nanocrystals: A Catalase-Like Nanozyme and In Situ Enzyme-Encapsulating Carrier for Efficient Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of α-Keto Acid

Chemoenzymatic catalysis combining the traits of chemical and enzymatic catalysis provides tremendous possibilities for the design of biosynthetic pathways utilizing inorganic catalysts and enzymes. However, the efficiency of chemoenzymatic catalysis is usually governed by the synergy and compatibility of the two catalysts. Here, we report for the first time the catalase-like activity of cobalt phosphate nanocrystals (CoPs). By a one-pot biomimetic mineralization with CoPs and l-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) under a mild condition, we have fabricated a hybrid nanobiocatalyst, LAAO@CoPs, for the chemoenzymatic synthesis of α-keto acid. The as-fabricated nanobiocatalyst with directly contacted catalytic sites of the enzyme and nanozyme maximizes the substrate channeling effects for in situ chemical decomposition of the oxidative intermediate, H₂O₂, during the enzymatic oxidation of l-tryptophan (l-Trp), thus minimizing the H₂O₂ accumulation and byproduct generation. Benefiting from the superiority of LAAO@CoPs, complete conversion (100.0%) of l-Trp to indole pyruvic acid is achieved, over two times higher than the yield of the free LAAO system (47.6%). Meanwhile, LAAO@CoPs show high stabilities against heat and proteolytic treatments. This work offers a new design approach for constructing a high-performance nanobiocatalyst for cascade reactions, especially for those systems with toxic or reactive intermediates.

Efficient Entrapment of Carbonic Anhydrase in Alginate Hydrogels Using Liposomes for Continuous-Flow Catalytic Reactions

A versatile approach to entrap relatively small enzymes in hydrogels allows their diverse biotechnological applications. In the present work, bovine carbonic anhydrase (BCA) was efficiently entrapped in calcium alginate beads with the help of liposomes. A mixture of sodium alginate (3 wt %) and carbonic anhydrase-liposome conjugates (BCALs) was dripped into a Tris-HCl buffer solution (pH = 7.5) containing 0.4 M CaCl2 to induce the gelation and curing of the dispersed alginate-rich droplets. The entrapment efficiency of BCALs, which was defined as the amount of catalysts entrapped in alginate beads relative to that initially charged, was 98.7 ± 0.2% as determined through quantifying BCALs in the filtrate being separated from the beads. When free BCA was employed, on the other hand, a significantly lower entrapment efficiency of 27.2 ± 4.1% was obtained because free BCA could pass through alginate matrices. Because the volume of a cured alginate bead (10 μL) entrapped with BCALs was about 2.5 times smaller than that of an original droplet, BCALs were densely present in the beads to give the concentrations of lipids and BCA of 4.6-8.3 mM and 1.1-1.8 mg/mL, respectively. Alginate beads entrapped with BCALs were used to catalyze the hydrolysis of 1.0 mM p-nitrophenyl acetate (p-NA) at pH = 7.5 using the wells of a microplate or 10 mL glass beakers as batch reactors. Furthermore, the beads were confined in a column for continuous-flow hydrolysis of 1.0 mM p-NA for 1 h at a mean residence time of 8.5 or 4.3 min. The results obtained demonstrate that the conjugation of BCA to liposomes gave an opportunity to achieve efficient and stable entrapment of BCA in alginate hydrogels for applying to catalytic reactions in bioreactors.