Werkzeug für die Chemische Biologie. Semisynthese

Semisynthetic techniques have greatly contributed to the rapid development of Chemical Biology in recent years. In this regard the semisynthesis of complex modified proteins as well as the selective derivatization of natural products has evolved into more than mere proof‐of‐principle concepts but powerful tools to probe protein functions. This technology provides a solid basis for further investigations on proteomics and qualitative and quantitative cell biology. The interdisciplinary charter bridging chemistry and biology is the hallmark of semisynthesis. It can be expected that its scientific impact will further increase in the future.     

Nachhaltige Bausteine für die Kunststoff‐Herstellung

Plant oils are currently the principle resource for the production of bio‐based, high performance polymers, such as polyamides. This process is facilitated by giant strides in chemical catalysis and biotechnology, which allows conversion of vegetable oils in “drop‐in” chemical building blocks. These bio‐based polymer building blocks have equivalent chemical and physical properties as well as similar cost structures compared to conventional petrochemical synthesis feedstock. This allows integration of bio‐based resources into industrial production processes without significant adaptations in logistics or process configuration. However, only use of synergies between chemical and biotechnological unit operations will in future provide for sustainable and eco‐efficient process designs. To allow sustainable supply of bio‐oils to a growing chemical industry without a significant impact on food production demands development of alternative bio‐oil sourcing strategies. In this respect the development of processes for the production of microbial oils, which have equivalent chemical properties to their plant counterparts is imperative. One leading option is the biotechnological conversion of agricultural and food waste streams into microbial oils by combining enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentative production using oleaginous organisms, such as yeasts.     

Herbizide für die Landwirtschaft: Chemische Unkrautbekämpfung

This article describes the most important herbicides relevant in the market place at the moment as well as their molecular modes of action and plant physiological effects. Furthermore also new herbicidal modes of action and the importance of safeners are referred to.