Researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) have announced a significant breakthrough that could lead to more sustainable agricultural chemicals and everyday products.

By combining natural enzymes with light, the team from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has developed a more sustainable method to precisely integrate fluorine into olefins. Olefins are hydrocarbons used in various products, such as detergents, fuels, and medicines. This innovative technique provides an efficient strategy for creating high-value chemicals applicable in agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, renewable fuels, and more.

The study, published in Science, was led by CABBI Conversion Theme Leader Huimin Zhao, a Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE), Biosystems Design Theme Leader at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB), and Director of the NSF Molecule Maker Lab Institute at Illinois; and Maolin Li, a Postdoctoral Research Associate with CABBI, ChBE, and IGB.

Fluorine as an additive enhances the performance and longevity of agrochemicals and medicines due to its small size, electronic properties, and solubility in fats and oils. These properties significantly impact the absorption, metabolic stability, and protein interactions of organic molecules. However, incorporating fluorine is challenging, typically requiring complex and environmentally unfriendly chemical processes.

In this study, scientists used a “photoenzyme”—a repurposed enzyme activated by light—to introduce fluorine into these chemicals. This process allowed them to precisely attach fluorine to olefins, determining the exact placement and method of addition. This environmentally friendly and precise technique enables the efficient creation of new compounds that were previously difficult to produce.

This method addresses a significant gap in molecular chemistry, where previous fluorination methods were limited and inefficient. It also opens up new possibilities for developing superior medicines and agricultural products, as fluorinated compounds are often more effective, stable, and long-lasting. This means more effective fertilizers and herbicides for crop protection and potentially more potent medicines with fewer side effects.

“This breakthrough represents a significant shift in how we approach the synthesis of fluorinated compounds, crucial in numerous applications from medicine to agriculture,” Zhao said. “By harnessing the power of light-activated enzymes, we’ve developed a method that improves the efficiency of these syntheses and aligns with environmental sustainability. This work could pave the way for new, greener technologies in chemical production, which is a win not just for science, but for society at large.”

The research supports CABBI’s mission by pioneering innovative biocatalysis methods to enhance the production of bio-based chemicals derived from renewable resources like plants or microorganisms, rather than petroleum. Developing efficient and environmentally friendly biochemical processes aligns with CABBI’s goal of creating sustainable bioenergy solutions that minimize environmental impact and reduce fossil fuel reliance.

This research also contributes to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) mission to advance bioenergy and bioproducts. The new methods can lead to more sustainable industrial processes that are less energy-intensive and reduce chemical waste and pollution, supporting DOE’s goals for clean energy technologies. Efficient creation of high-value fluorinated compounds can enhance various fields, including renewable energy and bioproducts that drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.

“Our research opens up fascinating possibilities for the future of pharmaceutical and agrochemical development,” Li said. “By integrating fluorine into organic molecules through a photoenzymatic process, we are not only enhancing the beneficial properties of these compounds but also doing so in a manner that’s more environmentally responsible. It’s thrilling to think about the potential applications of our work in creating more effective and sustainable products for everyday use.”

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