Enzyme evolved that can perform reactions new to nature
New possibilities for organic synthesis with enzymatic C–H functionalisation
Directed evolution has been used to create an enzyme that is capable of forming carbon–carbon bonds in a way that no natural enzyme can. The team, which includes directed evolution pioneer and 2018 chemistry Nobel laureate Frances Arnold, hopes that this strategy can be used to selectively functionalise C–H bonds in a more environmentally friendly manner without the need for precious metals.