Phosphine Stabilizers for Oxidoreductase Enzymes

Home , Aldose reductase, Glycine dehydrogenase, Leucine dehydrogenase, Lysine dehydrogenase

Europäisches Patentamt *EP001181356B1* (19) European Patent Office

Office européen des brevets (11) EP 1 181 356 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.7: C12N 9/02, C12P 7/00, of the grant of the patent: C12P 13/02, C12P 1/00 07.12.2005 Bulletin 2005/49 (86) International application number: (21) Application number: 00917839.3 PCT/US2000/006300

(22) Date of filing: 10.03.2000 (87) International publication number: WO 2000/053731 (14.09.2000 Gazette 2000/37)

(54) Phosphine stabilizers for oxidoreductase enzymes Phosphine Stabilisatoren für oxidoreduktase Enzymen Phosphines stabilisateurs des enzymes ayant une activité comme oxidoreducase

(84) Designated Contracting States: (56) References cited: DE FR GB NL US-A- 5 777 008

(30) Priority: 11.03.1999 US 123833 P • ABRIL O ET AL.: "Hybrid organometallic/enzymatic catalyst systems: (43) Date of publication of application: Regeneration of NADH using dihydrogen" 27.02.2002 Bulletin 2002/09 JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY., vol. 104, no. 6, 1982, pages 1552-1554, (60) Divisional application: XP002148357 DC US cited in the application 05021016.0 • BHADURI S ET AL: "Coupling of catalysis by carbonyl clusters and dehydrigenases: (73) Proprietor: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY Redution of pyruvate to L-lactate by dihydrogen" Kingsport, TN 37660 (US) JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY., vol. 120, no. 49, 11 October 1998 (72) Inventors: (1998-10-11), pages 12127-12128, XP002148358 • HEMBRE, Robert, T. DC US cited in the application Johnson City, TN 37601 (US) • OTSUKA K: "Regeneration of NADH and ketone • WAGENKNECHT, Paul, S. hydrogenation by hydrogen with the San Jose, CA 95129 (US) combination of hydrogenase and alcohol • PENNEY, Jonathan, M. dehydrogenase" JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR New York, NY 10025 (US) CATALYSIS, vol. 51, no. 1, 1989, pages 35-39, XP000946525 ISSN:0304-5102 cited in the (74) Representative: Wibbelmann, Jobst application Wuesthoff & Wuesthoff, • OIKONOMAKOS NIKOS S ET AL: "Activator Patent- und Rechtsanwälte, anion binding site in pyridoxal phosphorylase b: Schweigerstrasse 2 The binding of phosphite, phosphate and 81541 München (DE) fluorophosphate in the crystal." PROTEIN SCIENCE, vol. 5, no. 12, December 1996 (1996-12), pages 2416-2428, XP000978804 ISSN: 0961-8368

Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 1 181 356 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) EP 1 181 356 B1

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

5 [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/123,833, filed March 11, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

10 [0002] This invention relates generally to a process for stabilizing the activity of an oxidoreductase enzyme, in particular a stabilization process comprising mixing a phosphine or phosphite with an oxidoreductase enzyme.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

15 [0003] The present invention belongs to the technical field of oxidoreductase enzymes, in particular to a process of stabilizing them. [0004] One broad class of enzymes capable of selective reduction and/or hydrogenation of unsaturated organic compounds are the nicotinamide dependent oxidoreductases, as discussed by Walsh (Enzymatic Reaction Mecha- nisms Freeman & Co., N.Y., 1979; pages 311-521). 20 [0005] Nicotinamide dependent oxidoreductases require the presence of nicotinamide cofactors. The structures of the naturally occurring nicotinamide cofactors, (NAD+, NADP+, NADH and NADPH) are shown below.

45 [0006] A reduced nicotinamide cofactor (NADH or NADPH) binds to the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme, and transfers a "hydride" (two electrons and one hydrogen nucleus) to reduce a substrate that also binds to the enzyme. After the substrate is reduced, the enzyme releases the oxidized form of the nicotinamide cofactor (NAD+ or NADP+). Biological systems typically recycle the oxidized nicotinamide cofactors, by employing an external reducing agent, in combination with other enyzmes, to regenerate the reduced form of the nicotinamide cofactors. In these nicotinamide 50 cofactors the nicotinamide ring (shown schematically immediately below) is the reactive group. To regenerate the reduced cofactor, an external reducing agent must transfer the equivalent of a "hydride" to the oxidized (pyridinium) form of the cofactor, regioselectively to form the reduced (1,4-dihydropyridine) form of the cofactor.

2 EP 1 181 356 B1

[0007] Although nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzymes and nicotinamide cofactors are present in all living or- ganisms at low concentrations, they tend to be chemically unstable under non-biological conditions, and are extremely expensive in purified form. Because of their high cost, most industrial processes that seek to employ a combination of 15 enzymes and nicotinamide cofactors must supply a method to regenerate the nicotinamide cofactors. [0008] A number of methods for cofactor regeneration are known, as discussed by Chenault and Whitesides (Appl. Biochem. Biotechnol. 1987, 14, 147-97), and in Enzymes in Organic Synthesis K. Drauz, H. Waldeman, Eds.; VCH: Weinheim, 1995; pages. 596-665. [0009] The activity of oxidoreductase enzymes, such as for example nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzymes, may 20 be enhanced or maintained by the presence of certain stabilizers such as certain sulfur containing stabilizers. However, there is still a need for further enzyme stabilizing compounds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

25 [0010] The invention relates to a process for stabilizing the activity of an oxidoreductase enzyme, comprising mixing a phosphine or phosphite with an oxidoreductase enzyme. [0011] Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 30 It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

35 [0012] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention and the Examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. [0013] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and 40 "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "an aromatic compound" includes mixtures of aromatic compounds. [0014] Often, ranges are expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be 45 understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. [0015] In this specification and in the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that shall be defined to have the following meanings:

50 A weight percent of a component, unless specifically stated to the contrary, is based on the total weight of the formulation or composition in which the component is included. A residue of a chemical species, as used in the specification and concluding claims, refers to the moiety that is the resulting product of the chemical species in a particular reaction scheme or subsequent formulation or chemical product, regardless of whether the moiety is actually obtained from the chemical species. Thus, an ethylene glycol 55 residue in a polyester refers to one or more -OCH2CH2O- repeat units in the polyester, regardless of whether ethylene glycol is used to prepare the polyester. Similarly, a sebacic acid residue in a polyester refers to one or more -CO(CH2)8CO- moieties in the polyester, regardless of whether the residue is obtained by reacting sebacic acid or an ester thereof to obtain the polyester.

3 EP 1 181 356 B1

[0016] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase "optionally substituted lower alkyl" means that the lower alkyl group may or may not be substituted and that the description includes both unsubstituted lower alkyl and lower alkyl where there is substitution. 5 [0017] By the term "effective amount" of a compound or property as provided herein is meant such amount as is capable of performing the function of the compound or property for which an effective amount is expressed. As will be pointed out below, the exact amount required will vary from process to process, depending on recognized variables such as the compounds employed and the processing conditions observed. Thus, it is not possible to specify an exact "effective amount." However, an appropriate effective amount may be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art 10 using only routine experimentation. [0018] The Enzyme Commission of International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ("EC") has devised a well-known four digit numerical system for classifying enzymes, in terms of the type of reaction that the enzymes catalyze. The EC classification system has been described by Dixon, Webb, Thorne, and Tipton ("Enzymes", Chapter 5, pages 207-230, Academic Press, 1979), for the purposes of describing the classification of enzymes and the rela- 15 tionship of the classifications to the substrates and products of the reactions catalyzed by the enzymes. [0019] The first digit of an Enzyme Classification ("EC") corresponds to one of six classes of enzymes. In the process according to the present invention, members of the class of oxidoreductases are used, which comprise enzymes that mediate the transfer of electrons, H atoms, or hydride atoms. Oxidoreductases all have a first digit EC classification of "1". 20 [0020] The second digit of an EC classification relates to subclasses of the enzymes specified by the first digit. For an oxidoreductase, the second digit pertains to a group of twenty subclasses of functional groups of the substrates and/or products for the enzyme, i.e. classes of the functional groups in the substrates or products which undergo oxidation or reduction. The third digit of an EC classification relates to another series of sub-subclasses. In the case of the oxidoreductases, a third digit of "1" indicates an oxidoreductase that requires the presence of nicotinamide 25 cofactors. Therefore, the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzymes e.g. are all classified under the EC system as "1.x. 1.y." class enzymes. The fourth digit of and EC classification specifies a serial number for the enzyme, which is often related to the particular identity of the natural substrate of the enzyme. [0021] Preferred embodiments of the invention stabilize nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzymes, which may be further defined by the values of x and y in the EC classification of the enzyme. The second digit of an EC classification 30 of an enzyme, i.e., the value of x, corresponds to the class of functional group oxidized or reduced by the enzyme. Preferred enzymes have x values of 1, 3, 4, 5, or 10, corresponding to ketone or aldehyde reductions (x=1); olefin reduction (x=3); imine reductions (x=4 or 5); and reduction of diphenols or ascorbate (x=10). Therefore in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is an enzyme classified under the EC system as an 1.x.1.y. class enzyme, wherein x is 1,3,4, 5 or 10. More than 340 enzymes are presently known to 35 fall within those preferred classes of enzymes. [0022] For enzymes within the class of 1.1.1.y enzymes, Table 1 below relates the value of y to the name of the enzyme and its natural substrates.

Table 1- 40 1.1.1.y Class Enzymes. y Name of Enzyme 1 alcohol dehydrogenase 2 alcohol dehydrogenase 45 4 butanediol dehydrogenase 5 diacetyl reductase 6 glycerol dehydrogenase 7 glyerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase

50 14 L-iditol 2-dehydrogenase 18 myo-inositol 2-dehydrogenase 21 aldose reductase 22 UDP glucose 6-dehydrogenase 26 glyoxalate dehydrogenase 55 27 L-lactate dehydrogenase 30 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 37 malate dehydrogenase

4 EP 1 181 356 B1

Table 1- (continued) 1.1.1.y Class Enzymes. 40 malate dehydrogenase 5 41 isocitrate dehydrogenase 42 isocitrate dehydrogenase 44 phosphogluconate dehydrogenase 47 glucose 1-dehydrogenase 48 galactose 1-dehydrogenase 10 49 glucose-6-phosphate 1-dehydrogenase 50 3a-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 51 3 (or 17) b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 53 3a (or 20b) hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase

15 55 lactaldehyde reductase 67 mannitol 2-dehydrogenase 72 glycerol dehydrogenase 83 D-malate dehydrogenase 95 glycerol dehydrogenase 20 119 glucose 1-dehydrogenase 122 D-threo-aldose 1-dehydrogenase 159 12a-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 176 12a-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase

25 [0023] For enzymes within the class of 1.3.1.y enzymes, enzymes of class 1.3.1.14 i.e. orotate reductases are preferred. (NADH) [0024] For enzymes within the class of 1.4.1.y enzymes, Table 2 below relates the value of y to the name of the enzyme and/or it's natural substrate. 30 Table 2: 1.4.1.y Class Enzymes. y Name of Enzyme 35 1 alanine dehydrogenase 2 glutamate dehydrogenase 3 glutamate dehydrogenase 4 glutamate dehydrogenase 5 L-amino-acid dehydrogenase 40 7 serine dehydrogenase 8 valine dehydrogenase 9 leucine dehydrogenase 10 glycine dehydrogenase 45 11 L-erythro-3,5-diaminohexanoate dehydrogenase 12 2,4-diaminopentanoate dehydrogenase 13 glutamate synthase 14 glutamate synthase 15 lysine dehydrogenase 50 16 diaminopimelate dehydrogenase 17 N-methylalanine dehydrogenase 18 lysine 6-dehydrogenase 19 tryptophane dehydrogenase 55 20 phenylalanine dehydrogenase

[0025] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is an enzyme classified under the EC system as a 1.1.1.1, a 1.1.1.2, a 1.1.1.4, a 1.1.1.5, a 1.1.1.6, a 1.1.1.7, a 1.1.1.14, a 1.1.1.18, a

5 EP 1 181 356 B1

1.1.1.21, a 1.1.1.22, a 1.1.1.26, a 1.1.1.27, a 1.1.1.30, a 1.1.1.37, a 1.1.1.40, a 1.1.1.41, a 1.1.1.42, a 1.1.1.44, a 1.1.1.47, a 1.1.1.48, a 1.1.1.49, a 1.1.1.50, a 1.1.1.51, a 1.1.1.53, a 1.1.1.55, a 1.1.1.67, a 1.1.1.72, a 1.1.1.83, a 1.1.1.95, a 1.1.1.119, a 1.1.1.122, a 1.1.1.159, a 1.1.1.176, a 1.3.1.14, a1.4.1.1, a 1.4.1.2, a 1.4.1.3, a 1.4.1.4, a 1.4.1.5, a 1.4.1.7, a 1.4.1.8, a 1.4.1.9, a 1.4.1.10, a 1.4.1.11, a 1.4.1.12, a 1.4.1.13, a 1.4.1.14, a 1.4.1.15, a 1.4.1.16, a 1.4.1.17, 5 a 1.4.1.18, a 1.4.1.19 or a 1.4.1.20 class enzyme. [0026] In more preferred embodiments of the invention, the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is an enzyme classified under the EC system as 1.1.1.1, 1.1.1.2, 1.1.1.5, 1.1.1.6, 1.1.1.7, 1.1.1.14, 1.1.1.18, 1.1.1.21, 1.1.1.26, 1.1.1.27, 1.1.1.37, 1.1.1.40, 1.1.1.41, 1.1.1.42, 1.1.1.47, 1.1.1.48, 1.1.1.49, 1.1.1.72, 1.1.1.83, 1.1.1.95, 1.1.1.119, 14, 1.4.1.1, 1.4.1.3, 1.4.1.4, 1.4.1.9 or 1.4.1.20 class enzyme. 10 [0027] In other preferred embodiments of the invention the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is an enzyme classified under the EC system as a 1.1.1.1 or 1.1.1.2, class enzyme. [0028] Nevertheless, it is to be understood that the 2nd and/or 4th digits of the EC classification of a particular oxidoreductase enzyme inherently identifies preferred classes of oxidation and/or reduction reactions that may be catalyzed by the enzyme, and/or the corresponding classes and/or species of substrates and products that may be involved. 15 A listing of the names, EC classifications and the corresponding chemical reactions of the oxidoreductase enzymes relevant to the present invention may found in "Enzyme Nomenclature 1992 - Recommendations of the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology on the Nomenclature and Classification of Enzymes", pages 1-154, Academic Press, 1992, which is hereby incorporated by reference, for the purposes of describing the classification of enzymes and the relationship of the classifications to the substrates and products of 20 the reactions catalyzed by the enzymes. Of particular relevance are pages 24-55 (1.1.1.y class enzymes), pages 65-67 (1.2.1.y class enzymes), pages 76-83 (1.3.1.y class enzymes), pages 87-89 (1.4.1.y class enzymes), pages 93-96 (1.5.1.y class enzymes), and 113 (1.10.1.y class enzymes). [0029] For example, if the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is an alcohol dehydrogenase [1.1.1.1] or [1.1.1.2], a preferred reduced organic product is an alcohol. 25 [0030] In a similar manner, preferred classes or species of reduced organic products are hereinbelow identified for a number of particular EC enzyme classifications. For example, if the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is an aldose reductase [1.1.1.21], a preferred reduced organic product is an alditol. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is a glyoxolate reductase [1.1.1.26], a preferred reduced organic product is a glycolate or glycerate. [0031] With respect to the identification of preferred species of reduced organic products for particular enzymes: If 30 the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is a diacetyl reductase [1.1.1.5], a preferred reduced organic product is 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (acetoin). If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is a glycerol dehydrogenase [1.1.1.6], a preferred reduced organic product is glycerol. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is an propanediol- phosphate dehydrogenase [1.1.1.7], a preferred reduced organic product is propane-1,2-diol 1-phosphate. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is an L-lactate dehydrogenase [1.1.1.27], a preferred reduced organic product 35 is an (S)-lactate. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is a malate dehydrogenase [1.1.1.37], a preferred reduced organic product is (S)-malate. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is malate dehydrogenase [1.1.1.40], a preferred reduced organic product is (S)-malate. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is isocitrate dehydrogenase [1.1.1.41], a preferred reduced organic product is isocitrate. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is isocitrate dehydrogenase [1.1.1.42], a preferred reduced organic product is isocitrate. 40 [0032] Moreover, if the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is glucose 1-dehydrogenase [1.1.1.47], a preferred reduced organic product is β-D-glucose. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is galactose 1-dehydrogenase [1.1.1.48], a preferred reduced organic product is D-galactose. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is glucose 6-phosphate 1-dehydrogenase [1.1.1.49], a preferred reduced organic product is D-glucose 6-phosphate. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is glycerol dehydrogenase (NADP) [1.1.1.72], a preferred reduced organic 45 product is glycerol. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is D-malate dehydrogenase [1.1.1.83], a preferred reduced organic product is (R)-malate. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase [1.1.1.95], a preferred reduced organic product is 3-phosphoglycerate. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is glucose 1-dehydrogenase (NADP) [1.1.1.119], a preferred reduced organic product is D-glucose, D-mannose, 2-deoxy-D-glucose or 2-amino-2-deoxy-D-mannose. 50 [0033] Additionally, if the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is alanine dehydrogenase [1.4.1.1], a preferred reduced organic product is L-alanine. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is glutamate dehydrogenase [1.4.1.3], a preferred reduced organic product is L-glutamate. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is glutamate dehydrogenase [1.4.1.4], a preferred reduced organic product is L-glutamate. If the nicotinamide cofactor dependent enzyme is leucine dehydrogenase [1.4.1.9], a preferred reduced organic product is L-leucine. If the nicotina- 55 mide cofactor dependent enzyme is phenylalanine dehydrogenase [1.4.1.20], a preferred reduced organic product is L-phenylalanine. [0034] As previously described hereinabove, many processes for reducing unsaturated organic compounds with H2 employ oxidoreductase enzymes whose activity is enhanced or maintained by the presence of certain stabilizers. It is

6 EP 1 181 356 B1

known in the art to employ certain sulfur containing stabilizers, and in particular it is known in the art to employ stabilizers having sulfhydril groups, which are exemplified by compounds such as dithiothreitol (DTT), mercaptoethanol, and the like. [0035] Unexpectedly, it has been discovered that certain phosphorus containing compounds can also stabilize oxi- 5 doreductase enzymes. The enzyme stabilization occurs independently of the presence or absence of the H2,orun- saturated organic compounds employed in the processes described above. In particular, it has been unexpectedly discovered that phosphines or phosphites can stabilize oxidoreductase enzymes in a variety of processes. [0036] Therefore, the invention provides a process for stabilizing the activity of an oxidoreductase enzyme, comprising mixing a phosphine or phosphite with an oxidoreductase enzyme. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the 10 mixing of the phosphine or phosphite with the oxidoreductase enzyme occurs in a liquid medium. The liquid medium may comprise water, an organic solvent, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the liquid medium comprises a substantially aqueous buffer solution. [0037] Preferably, the mixing of the phosphine or phosphite with the oxidoreductase enzyme is effective to slow the loss of activity of the oxidoreductase enzyme, as compared to the rate of loss of activity of the oxidoreductase enzyme 15 in the absence of the phosphine or phosphite. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the phosphine or phosphite compounds serve as reducing agents for certain oxidation sensitive components of the enzymes, including cysteine amino acid residues contained in the enzymes. [0038] Preferably, the phosphine or the phosphite comprise phosphorus derivatives PRn(O-R)3-n, wherein n is an integer of from zero to three. Preferably, the R groups comprise from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms. The R groups 20 (whether bonded to phosphorus or oxygen) are independently selected, and may be the same or different. Preferably, the R groups are hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl, groups, which include alkyl, cycloakyl, aromatic and heteroaromatic groups. [0039] Preferably, one or more of the R groups is substituted with one or more polar groups. Preferred polar groups include salts of anionic groups such as sulfonate, and carboxylate groups; salts of cationic groups such as alkylam- 25 monium groups, or polar but electrically neutral groups such as hydroxyl, amino, alcohol, or polyalkylene glycol groups. Polyethylene glycol groups are preferred polyalkylene glycol groups. The polar groups are believed to be beneficial in improving the effectiveness of the phosphine or phosphite stabilizers because the polar groups tend to increase the water solubility of the phosphines or phosphites, so that they can more effectively interact with the oxidoreductase enzymes, which are also water soluble. 30 [0040] Preferred compounds are tris(m-sulfonatophenyl)phosphine trisodium salt (TPPTS), or 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA).

Experimental

35 [0041] The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how the compounds, and associated processes and methods are constructed, used, and evaluated, and are intended to be purely exemplary of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.) but some errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by 40 weight, temperature is in °C (Celsius) or is at ambient temperature, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.

Materials and Methods

[0042] Tris(m-sulfonatophenyl)phosphine trisodium salt (TPPTS) was purchased from Strem Chemical and sodium 45 diphenylphosphinobenzene-3-sulfonate (TPPMS) from TCI America. Alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes of Thermanaer- obium brockii (TBADH, EC 1.1.1.2), β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+) and their respective reduced forms were purchased from Sigma Chemical and stored in a refrig- erator (-10°C). The preparation of TBADH is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,352,885. RuCl3-hydrate (38.4 % Ru) was obtained from Colonial Metals, Inc. 1,3,5-Triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) was prepared by the procedure of 50 Daigle, et al. (Inorg. Synth. 1998, 32, 40-45). [Cl2Ru(TPPTS)2]2 was prepared by the procedure of Hernandez, and Kalck (J. Mol. Catal. A: Chem., 1993,116, 117-130). Cl2Ru(PTA)4 was prepared by the procedure of Darensbourg, et al., (Inorg. Chem., 1994, 33, 200-08). Phosphate buffer was prepared using KHPO4. Procedures for 2-heptanone reduction using isopropanol to regenerate NADP were adapted from Keinan, et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1986, 108, 162). 1H and 13C NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian Gemini-300 spectrometer. Reference samples of NAD+, 55 + NADH, NADP and NADPH were dissolved in D2O and their chemical shifts (δ) are reported relative to sodium 3-(tri- methylsilyl)propionate (TMSP). Chemical shift assignments have been made in accord with Ragg, et al. (J. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1991, 1076, 49). and Oppenheimer (Proc. Natl. Acad Sci. U. S. 1971, 68, 3200). GLC was conducted on a HP 6890 gas chromatograph with a 30' DB-FFAP capillary column and flame ionization detection. Samples of (R)

7 EP 1 181 356 B1

-(-)-2-heptanol (95%) and (S)-(+)-2-heptanol (99%, 97% ee) were obtained from Aldrich Chemical. Samples were an- alyzed by conversion to their trifluoroacetate esters by a standardized treatment with trifluoroacetic anhydride. The enantiomeric excess of (S)-2-heptanol produced by enzymatic reduction was determined by chiral GC and comparison to (R)- and (S)-2-heptanol standards using a Cyclodex-B column (30 m x 0.25, 0.25µ film) at 40°C. Under these con- 5 ditions the retention times of the trifluoroacetates of (R)-2-heptanol and (S)-2-heptanol were 28.15 minutes and 28.77 minutes.

Example 1

10 [0043] Example 1 demonstrates that the TPPTS can be used as a stabilizer for TBADH. [0044] Phosphate buffer (10 mL, 0.1 M, pH = 7.0) was placed in a 100 mL Schlenk tube under argon. 2-Heptanone (4.92 g, 43.1 mmol), isopropanol (1.57 g, 26.1 mmol), heptadecane (41.0 µl), TPPTS (23 mg, 40.0 µmol), NADP+ (0.4 mg, 0.5 µmol) and TBADH (2.7 mg, 19.8 units) were then added under a flow of argon. After evacuation and refilling with argon three times the apparatus was heated to 38°C with an oil bath. GC analysis every five hours showed a 15 continuous production of 2-heptanol for the initial 20 hours at a rate corresponding to - 210 turnovers of NADP+ per hour (total of 2.17 mmoles of 2-heptanol in 21 hours). After and additional 24 hours the yield of 2-heptanol had not changed. The final yield of 2-heptanol corresponds to 4,343 turnovers of NADP+.

Comparative Example 1a 20 [0045] Comparative Example 1a shows TBADH productivity without a stabilizer. [0046] Identical amounts of all reagents in a 2-heptanone reduction with isopropanol (Example 10) except for the water-soluble phosphine (TPPTS) were heated to 38°C with an oil bath for 23 hours. The yield of 2-heptanol was 0.13 mmol, corresponding to a total of 271 turnovers of NADP+. 25 Comparative Example 1 b

[0047] Comparative Example 1 b shows TBADH productivity with dithiothreitol (DTT) as a stabilizer. [0048] Using the procedure described in Comparative Example 1 a, identical amounts of all reagents except twice 30 the amount of 2-heptanone (9.84, 86.2 mmol) and substituting DTT as a stabilizer (6 mg, 40 µmol) in place of TPPTS, the reduction of 2-heptanone with isopropanol was carried out at 38°C for 19 hours yielding 2.51 mmol of 2-heptanol, corresponding to a total of 5,021 turnovers of NADP+.

Comparative Example 1 c 35 [0049] Comparative Example 1 c shows TBADH productivity with mercaptoethanol as a stabilizer. [0050] Using the procedure described in Example 1 and identical amounts of all reagents but substituting mercaptoethanol as a stabilizer (2.8 µl, 40 µmol) in place of DTT, the reduction of 2-heptanone with isopropanol was carried out at 38°C for 22 hours yielding 2.56 mmol of 2-heptanol, corresponding to a total of 5,121 turnovers of NADP+. 40 Example 2

[0051] Example 2 demonstrates that triphenylphosphine (TPP) can be used as a stabilizer for TBADH. [0052] Using the procedure described in Example 1 and identical amounts of all reagents but substituting triphenyl- 45 phosphine as a stabilizer (10 mg, 40 µmol) in place of TPPTS, the reduction of 2-heptanone with isopropanol was carried out at 37°C for 19 hours yielding 2.15 mmol of 2-heptanol, corresponding to a total of 4,301 turnovers of NADP+.

Example 3

50 [0053] Example 3 demonstrates that "monosulfonated triphenylphosphine" (TPPMS) can be used as a stabilizer for TBADH. [0054] Using the procedure described in Example 1 and identical amounts of all reagents but substituting triphenylphosphine as a stabilizer (15 mg, 40 µmol) in place of TPPTS, the reduction of 2-heptanone with isopropanol was carried out at 38°C for 16 hours yielding 1.93 mmol of 2-heptanol, corresponding to a total of 3,859 turnovers of NADP+. 55 [0055] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention; It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

8 EP 1 181 356 B1

Claims

1. A process for stabilizing the activity of an oxidoreductase enzyme, comprising mixing a phosphine or phosphite with an oxidoreductase enzyme. 5

2. The process of claim 1, wherein the phosphine or the phosphite comprise phosphorus derivates PRn(O-R)3-n, wherein n is an integer from zero to three, the R groups may be the same or different, and the R groups comprise hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, aromatic or heteroaromatic groups.

10 3. The process of claim 2, wherein the one or more R groups are substituted with one or more polar groups.

4. The process of claim 3, wherein the polar group comprises sulfonate, carboxylate, amino, alkylammonium, hydroxyl, or polyalkylene glycol groups.

15 5. The process of claim 1, wherein the mixing occurs in a liquid medium.

Patentansprüche

20 1. Verfahren zur Stabilisierung der Aktivität eines Oxidoreduktase-Enzyms, umfassend Mischen eines Phosphins oder Phosphits mit einem Oxidoreduktase-Enzym.

2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, worin das Phosphin oder das Phosphit die phosphorhaltigen Derivate PRn(O-R)3-n umfassen, wobei n eine ganze Zahl von null bis drei ist, die R-Gruppen können gleich oder verschieden sein, und 25 die R-Gruppen umfassen Kohlenwasserstoff-, substituierte Kohlenwasserstoff-, aromatische oder heteroaromati- sche Gruppen.

3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, wobei die eine oder mehrere R-Gruppen mit einer oder mehreren polaren Gruppen substituiert sind. 30 4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3, wobei die polare Gruppe Sulfonat-, Carboxylat-, Amino-, Alkylammonium-, Hydroxyl- oder Polyalkylenglycol-Gruppen umfaßt.

5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Mischen in einem flüssigen Medium geschieht. 35

Revendications

1. Procédé de stabilisation de l'activité d'une enzyme oxydoréductase, comprenant le mélange d'une phosphine ou 40 d'un phosphite avec une enzyme oxydoréductase.

2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la phosphine ou le phosphite comprend des dérivés de phosphore PRn(O-R)3-n, où n est un nombre entier de zéro à trois, les groups R peuvent être identiques ou différents et les groupes R comprennent les groupes 45 hydrocarbyle, hydrocarbyle substitués, aromatiques ou hétéroaromatiques.

3. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel un ou plusieurs groupes R sont substitués par un ou plusieurs groupes polaires.

50 4. Procédé selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le groupe polaire comprend les groupes sulfonate, carboxylate, amino, alkylammonium, hydroxyle ou polyalkylèneglycol.

5. Procédé selon la revendication 1, 55 dans lequel le mélange a lieu dans un milieu liquide.