Light driven P450: Using Photosynthesis to Power Fine Chemical Production (2019-2022)
Abstract
This project aims to produce robust systems for the synthesis of complex metabolites and pharmacological molecules in algae. Light is used to drive challenging chemical conversions inexpensively via the photosynthetic machinery. Expected outcomes include sustainable, solar-driven production of desired high-value drug metabolites, molecules that are difficult or impossible to synthesise chemically. This project is designed to provide proof of principle for many future applications in drug development, fine chemical production, agricultural chemistry and other chemical industries, greatly extending the diversity of molecules that can be produced and reducing the cost and environmental impact of their production.
