Chemistry on nature’s terms
We’re rewriting chemistry with the language of nature—using enzymes for simpler, safer, and cost-effective access to small molecules.
Technology
Enzymes are nature’s molecule-making machines, present in all life forms, with astonishing diversity and efficiency, which they have developed over millions of years of evolution. Their sheer number enables a huge variety of reactions and their efficiency and selectivity allow them to perform reactions not accessible with chemical methodologies. Additionally, thanks to groundbreaking advances in molecular biology, enzymes can be engineered for non-natural functions, meaning they can be adapted to fit the desired process.
In nature, enzymes work together in finely tuned networks to build remarkably complex molecules, while producing almost no waste in the process. By combining enzymes in streamlined, cell-free systems, we can mimic the efficiency of living cells, while being able to carefully tune and optimize individual steps. This approach brings together the best of both worlds: the tunability of organic synthesis and the efficiency and sustainability of biological systems.
NEWS
WHY BIOCATALYSIS?
STATE OF THE ART
In traditional chemical synthesis non-compatible reactions are carried out separately. This is time consuming, inefficient and infers high costs due to intermediate purification.
METABOLIC ENGINEERING OF MICROBES
Live microbes with artificially designed metabolic pathways produce chemicals through a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions from renewable feedstocks. Such systems are difficult to optimize and only yield low product titers.
OUR APPROACH: IN VITRO BIOCASCADES
The benefits of chemical synthesis and metabolic engineering combined. No living cells are needed. Compatible biocatalysts (enzymes) operate together in a single reaction vessel with high substrate loadings, selectivity and under mild reaction conditions.
WHAT WE DO...
CASCADE DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION
We identify an ensemble of biocatalysts that could deliver a desired value-added product from preferably renewable starting materials. Furthermore, we find the conditions under which the biocatalysts optimally work together and yield the highest product quality and quantity.
ENZYME CHARACTERIZATION
Can an enzyme or protein of interest be produced in a microbial host organism? How could the heterologous expression be optimized? Is the biocatalyst able to convert a given substrate into the desired product(s)? These and more questions are addressed in our enzyme characterization service.
Biocatalysis is perfectly suited to transform substrates from renewable resources to value-added chemical products
APPLICATIONS
Pharmaceuticals and APIs
Biofuel production
Beverage- and food additives
Cleaning technology
Biotech
Fragrance- and flavor compounds
Bioplastic monomers
Agrochemical products
ABOUT ENZYAN
Our interdisciplinary team combines a strong scientific background in the fields of biocatalysis, biotechnology and organic chemistry with entrepreneurial experience.
OPERATIONAL STAFF
Dr. Stefan Payer
(Chemist, CEO)
Dr. Mattia Lazzarotto
(Chemist, CSO)
Dr. Mathias Pickl-Farnberger
(Chemist, COO)
Stefan Steinberger
(Partnerships, CCO)
Dr. Stefan Simic
(Senior Scientist Biocatalysis)
ADVISORS
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kroutil
(Chemist)
Dr. Elisa Lanfranchi
(Biotechnologist)
We are a spinoff of
OUR RESOURCES
Vast experience and know-how in chemistry and biocatalysis
Wet lab infrastructure
Diverse biocatalyst library
Modern analytical instruments
Liquid-handling robot for high-throughput experimentation
AI-assisted cascade optimization
Funded through Preseed – Deep Tech by the Austrian BMAW and BMK executed by aws
AplusB incubatee alumni of
