Advancements in Unnatural Amino Acid Creation and Eco-Friendly Biomanufacturing
Scientists have discovered a new method to create "unnatural" amino acids, which could have applications in protein-based therapies and expand the field of organic chemistry. The process involves bioengineering enzymes to create an unnatural configuration of an amino acid, offering chemists greater control over the resulting molecule's orientation. By combining a light-sensitive molecular catalyst with a PLP enzyme, the reaction achieves unprecedented results. The research team used computer simulations to understand the reaction's mechanism and aims to further explore its potential applications in creating new chemical tools and medicines.