Enzymatic Synthesis of Hydroxycinnamic Acid Amides in Water Using the Promiscuous Hydrolase/Acyltransferase PestE from Pyrobaculum calidifontis VA1.

The article explores the use of the enzyme PestE from Pyrobaculum calidifontis VA1 for the enzymatic synthesis of hydroxycinnamic acid amides (HCAAs). HCAAs are natural compounds with potential applications in various industries. The current methods for synthesizing HCAAs are not environmentally friendly, so enzymatic methods are being explored as a greener alternative. The study focuses on the synthesis of N-trans-feruloyltyramine using PestE and found that the reaction was most efficient at 60 °C with a specific molar ratio. The use of acetonitrile as a cosolvent posed challenges, but ascorbic acid could be added to prevent substrate oxidation. PestE was also found to catalyze the formation of other hydroxycinnamic acid amides. Overall, this enzymatic method offers a more sustainable approach to HCAA synthesis. [Extracted from the article]