Grant: Canada Research Chairs

Our research program focuses on efficient manufacturing of medicinally importantcompounds by combining traditional organic synthesis methods with biological protocols, a strategy that leads to more efficient and environmentally conscious manufacturing with less waste. It addresses the preparation of morphine alkaloids, including semisynthetic opiate-derived agents (analgesics); pancratistatin derivatives and pleiogenone A (anticancer agents); and other targets (galanthamine) by using bacterial, fungal, plant, or mammalian enzymes as green alternatives to the use of hazardous or toxic reagents. Reagent development, total synthesis, development of transgenic organisms for N-demethylation, and provision of enantiopure building blocks and chiral polymers characterize our program in biocatalysis.