Combinatorial biotransformations of carbohydrates in ionic liquids

The project focuses on establishing enzyme catalysed processes for regio-selective substitution of carbohydrates with functional acyl- and amino groups. The first part of the objective is to investigate enzyme stability and activity in ionic liquids including the effects of immobilisation techniques and water activity. The second part of the objective is to establish a library of processes for regioselective introduction of functional groups to carbohydrates using hydrolytic enzymes. Analysis and verification of the synthesis products structure will be performed by spectroscopic methods including NMR. The synthesised products may be used as emulsifiers, natural anti microbial agents or synthons for drugs.