Publication
Studies in Enantioselective Microbial Deuteration
Originally published in Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, April 2025
Authors: Carl Recsei; Marina Cagnes; Robert A. Russell; Reilly E. Sonstrom; Tamim Darwish
Publication Summary
Originally published in Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, this study describes economical approaches for reductive microbial deuteration using a range of yeast strains and inexpensive carbon sources. The researchers developed methods for producing highly deuterated chiral building blocks while maintaining the enantioselectivity observed in the corresponding non-deuterated processes. A strategy combining α-hydrogen exchange with deuterative microbial reduction achieved greater than 95% backbone perdeuteration in key compounds used in medicinal and analytical applications.
The study also highlights molecular rotational resonance (MRR) spectroscopy as an analytical tool for isotope-labeling chemistry. MRR provided accurate measurements of site-specific deuteration levels and enantiopurity, helping validate reaction outcomes and simplify process evaluation. The results show the value of combining microbial biocatalysis with advanced spectroscopy to prepare and characterize selectively deuterated molecules.
Key Takeaways
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Develops economical methods for reductive microbial deuteration using yeast-based biocatalysis.
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Combines α-hydrogen exchange and microbial reduction to increase deuterium incorporation.
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Maintains enantioselectivity during microbial deuteration reactions.
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Demonstrates the use of alternative microbial strains for isotope-labeling applications.
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Uses MRR spectroscopy to measure site-specific deuteration levels and enantiopurity.
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Highlights the complementary roles of microbial biocatalysis and MRR spectroscopy in deuterium-labeling chemistry