Biocatalytic transamination with near-stoichiometric inexpensive amine donors mediated by bifunctional mono- and di-amine transaminases

The discovery and characterisation of enzymes with both monoamine and diamine transaminase activity is reported, allowing conversion of a wide range of target ketone substrates with just a small excess of amine donor. The diamine co-substrates (putrescine, cadaverine or spermidine) are bio-derived and the enzyme system results in very little waste, making it a greener strategy for the production of valuable amine fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals.