Integration of biocatalysis with product separation

This thesis deals with the research carried out to develop a column system for the continuous production of optically pure esters of 2-chloropropionic acid (CPA) and 2-phenoxypropionic acid (PPA). Chapter 1 entitled introduction, explores the available literature. This chapter highlights the advantages and disadvantages of currently available methods for the resolution of CPA and PPA. Chapter two explains our strategies for the resolution of CPA and PPA. We highlight the possible routes and steps we envisage to be important for the efficient resolution and continuous production of CPA and PPA. Rest of the thesis deals with our attempts to establish the column reactor. The remaining thesis is divided into the following sections. Analytical section: development of chiral assay to determine the optical purity of the products. Methods developed to measure the progress of reaction, enzyme activity and protein contents. Ester synthesis: highlights the advantages and disadvantages of the various processes used to synthesis the substrates. Lipase search: all commercially available lipases were tested for their activities against the substrates and optimal combination were explored in more detail. Adsorption support: several macro reticular resin were tested for their adsorption affinity towards CPA, PPA and their esters and lipase. Conditions were optimised for lipase activity and substrate adsorption. Development of a column reactor: column reactor was set-up according to the conditions listed in above chapters. Column was characterised according to the purity, optical purity and yield of the products and residual substrate isolated. Discussion: results from all the research carried out are summarised in this chapter Future work: this chapter highlights the additional points seemed necessary to successfully establish the continuous process