New process uses light and enzymes to create greener chemicals

Researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) have made a significant breakthrough that could lead to better, greener agricultural chemicals and everyday products.

Using a process that combines natural enzymes and light, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign team has developed an environmentally friendly method to precisely mix fluorine, an important additive, into chemicals called olefins, hydrocarbons used in a wide range of products, from detergents to fuels to drugs. The breakthrough method offers an efficient new strategy for creating high-value chemicals with potential applications in agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, renewable fuels and more.

The study, published in Science, The project was led by CABBI Conversion Theme Leader Huimin Zhao, 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 lead author Maolin Li, a postdoctoral research associate at CABBI, ChBE, and IGB.

As an additive, fluorine can improve the efficacy and shelf life of agrochemicals and drugs. Its small size, electronic properties, and ability to dissolve easily in fats and oils all have a profound impact on the function of organic molecules, increasing their absorption, metabolic stability, and interactions with proteins. However, fluorine addition is tricky and typically requires complex chemical processes that are not always environmentally friendly.

The scientists in this study used a “photoenzyme”—a repurposed enzyme that works under light—to help introduce fluorine into these chemicals. Using light and photoenzymes, they were able to precisely attach the fluorine to the olefins, controlling exactly where and how it is added. Because this method is not only environmentally friendly but also highly specific, it allows for more efficient creation of new, useful compounds that were previously difficult to make.

This approach fills a major gap in molecular chemistry, as previous methods of adding fluorine were limited and inefficient. It also opens up new possibilities for creating better medicines and agricultural products, as fluorinated compounds are often more effective, more stable, and longer-lasting than their non-fluorinated counterparts. This means that fertilizers and herbicides could be more effective at protecting crops, and drugs could be more potent or have fewer side effects.

“This advance represents a significant shift in our approach to synthesizing fluorinated compounds, which are essential in many applications, from medicine to agriculture,” Zhao said. “By harnessing the power of light-activated enzymes, we have 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 only for science, but for society as a whole.”

The research advances CABBI’s bioenergy mission by developing innovative methods in biocatalysis that can improve the production of bio-based chemicals, meaning those derived from renewable resources such as plants or microorganisms rather than petroleum. Developing more efficient and environmentally friendly biochemical processes is part of CABBI’s drive to create sustainable bioenergy solutions that minimize environmental impact and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

This study also contributes to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) broader mission to advance advances in bioenergy and bioproducts. The methods developed in this study can lead to more sustainable industrial processes that use less energy and reduce chemical waste and pollution, supporting DOE’s goals of advancing clean energy technologies. The ability to efficiently create high-value fluorinated compounds could lead to improvements in a variety of areas, including renewable energy sources and bioproducts that support economic growth and environmental sustainability.

“Our research opens up exciting opportunities for the future of pharmaceutical and agrochemical development,” Li said. “By incorporating fluorine into organic molecules through a photoenzymatic process, we not only enhance the beneficial properties of these compounds, but we also do so in a more environmentally friendly way. It is exciting to think about the potential applications of our work in creating more effective and sustainable products for everyday use.”

CABBI researchers Yujie Yuan, Wesley Harrison and Zhengyi Zhang of ChBE and Illinois IGB were co-authors of the study.