Rapid, automated screening method for enzymatic transformations using a robotic system and supercritical fluid chromatography.

An automated screening method was developed for enzymatic transformations using a robotic system and rapid chiral supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) analysis with a run time of 1.5 min. The method accelerates the enzyme selection process for screening biocatalysts, where a large number of enzymes are evaluated for activity and enantioselectivity. Kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols by enzymatic transesterification was used as a prototype for method development. The rapid automated method can be used effectively for screening enzymes and optimizing reaction conditions in biocatalysis. Copyright 2004 Elsevier B.V.