Page 166 - CW E-Magazine (19-12-2023)

News from Abroad

ACCELERATING ADOPTION
Johnson Matthey announces partnership with Basecamp

Research to expand biocatalyst solutions

Johnson Matthey (JM), a global Basecamp will focus on accelerating the strate-scope active enzyme, which was
leader in sustainable technologies, and process to fi nd the right biocatalyst solu- sampled from a natural source and
Basecamp Research, a leader in map- tions that small molecule manufacturers selected by Basecamp Research. In
ping biodiversity for computational can use for new product development. compliance with the Nagoya Protocol
bio-design, have announced a partner- It will improve the quality and scope of governing exploitation of natural
ship to accelerate the adoption of more biocatalysts available to the market, cove- resources, Basecamp has passed on
sustainable, bio-based catalysts. ring the most critical chemical transfor- royalties to a conservation organisation
mations such as asymmetric reductions near the location of where the enzyme
Biocatalysts are used across a vast of ketones and chiral reductive amina- was discovered.
range of synthesis processes to form tion, which are used to produce the fun-
complex chemical structures in the damental building blocks in organic syn- “Over the last decade, Johnson Mat-
pharmaceutical, agrochemical and fi ne thesis,” a press statement from JM said. they has grown its biocatalysis capabili-
chemical industries. They are increas- ties to offer enzyme development, appli-
ingly being adopted due to the important Biodiversity mapping tool powered cation, process intensifi cation, scale-up
role they play in helping meet the more by AI and bioprocessing. By partnering with
prominent sustainability goals of these Basecamp Research has developed Basecamp Research, we will be able to
industries. Compared to traditional a unique knowledge graph of life on provide novel enzyme solutions that will
catalysis, they can be more selective, Earth with over six billion relationships benefi t our customers in pharmaceutical
less energy-intensive and reduce the between genes, genomes, environments, drug developments and fi ne chemical
need for organic solvents. and other biologically relevant data. This synthesis,” said Dr. Elizabeth Rowsell
biodiversity mapping tool, powered by OBE, Chief Technology Offi cer, JM.
One of the hurdles to widespread AI-driven capabilities, is critical to the
usage of biocatalysts in organic synthesis is expansion of JM’s biocatalysis portfolio. “Combining Basecamp Research’s
the time-consuming search for enzymes Having new and diverse biocatalyst unique biodiscovery and bio-design
that deliver the desired performance. options will help reduce the develop- AI platform with JM’s biocatalysis
This typically involves multiple rounds ment time and broaden the scope of expertise, will help industry take
of protein engineering and analysis. applications. novel products to market more effi -
ciently and sustainably,” said Dr. Oliver
“The partnership between JM and JM has already licensed a broad sub- Vince, Co-founder, Basecamp Research.

SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY
Syngenta joins Phytobiomes Alliance; to lead work

on soil health

Syngenta Crop Protection, a global microbes, nutrients, animals, climate, yet to be fully understood. Through
leader in agricultural innovation, has weather, and management practices. its partnership with the Phytobiomes
become a sponsor of the International This complex and dynamic ecosystem Alliance, Syngenta will contribute
Alliance for Phytobiomes Research. plays a crucial role in the health and towards research into understanding
functioning of crops, affecting their the interactions of the phytobiome’s
Phytobiome is a collective term for growth and well-being. diverse components.
plants within a specifi c growing envi-
ronment, for example soil, and the Interactions within the phytobiome Focus on soil health
complex interactions infl uenced by are highly complex, with much of it In a key aspect of this collaboration,

166 Chemical Weekly December 19, 2023

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