Enantioselective nitrilases from filamentous fungi. The optical characteristics (chirality) of chemical precursors are important for many fine chemicals. Chiral intermediates are in high demand by the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries for the preparation of bulk drug intermediates and agricultural products. Nitriles are attractive starting points but their conversion to corresponding amides and carboxylic acids generates significant wastes. Their hydrolysis can be performed under mil ....Enantioselective nitrilases from filamentous fungi. The optical characteristics (chirality) of chemical precursors are important for many fine chemicals. Chiral intermediates are in high demand by the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries for the preparation of bulk drug intermediates and agricultural products. Nitriles are attractive starting points but their conversion to corresponding amides and carboxylic acids generates significant wastes. Their hydrolysis can be performed under mild conditions by enzymes termed nitrilases. We will work on fungal nitrilases as they present a globally attractive, yet untapped commercial target. The outcome for Applimex will be a suite of biocatalysts specific for the production of key intermediates for drug and agrochemical syntheses.Read moreRead less