Characterization of the chemoenzymatic synthesis of N-acetyl-D-neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac)

The characterization of the chemoenzymatic synthesis of N-acetyl-D-neuraminic acid using a base-catalyzed epimerization and Neu5Ac aldolase-catalyzed condensation is presented. The characterization has been used to exemplify a structured approach to biotransformation process design. In addition, the option of integration of the epimerization with the biotransformation (at alkaline pH) was considered. Process operating windows have been generated as a result of this approach, defining possible operating regions for subsequent scale-up.