Geschmack ist vorhersagbar: Mit FlavorMiner. FlavorMiner heißt das Tool, das IPB-Chemiker und Partner aus Kolumbien jüngst entwickelt haben. Das Programm kann, basierend auf maschinellem Lernen (KI), anhand der…
Seit Februar 2021 bietet Wolfgang Brandt, ehemaliger Leiter der Arbeitsgruppe Computerchemie am IPB, sein Citizen Science-Projekt zur Pilzbestimmung an. Dafür hat er in regelmäßigen Abständen öffentliche Vorträge zur Vielfalt…
Herrera-Rocha, F.; León-Inga, A. M.; Aguirre Mejía, J. L.; Rodríguez-López, C. M.; Chica, M. J.; Wessjohann, L. A.; González Barrios, A. F.; Cala, M. P.; Fernández-Niño, M.;Bioactive and flavor compounds in cocoa liquor and their traceability over the major steps of cocoa post-harvesting processesFood Chem.435137529(2024)DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137529
The production of fine-flavor cocoa represents a promising avenue to enhance socioeconomic development in Colombia and Latin America. Premium chocolate is obtained through a post-harvesting process, which relies on semi-standardized techniques. The change in the metabolic profile during cocoa processing considerably impacts flavor and nutraceutical properties of the final product. Understanding this impact considering both volatiles and non-volatile compounds is crucial for process and product re-engineering of cocoa post-harvesting. Consequently, this work studied the metabolic composition of cocoa liquor by untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics. This approach offered a comprehensive view of cocoa biochemistry, considering compounds associated with bioactivity and flavor in cocoa liquor. Their variations were traced back over the cocoa processing (i.e., drying, and roasting), highlighting their impact on flavor development and the nutraceutical properties. These results represent the basis for future studies aimed to re-engineer cocoa post-harvesting considering the variation of key flavor and bioactive compounds over processing.
Publikation
Méndez, Y.; Vasco, A. V.; Ebensen, T.; Schulze, K.; Yousefi, M.; Davari, M. D.; Wessjohann, L. A.; Guzmán, C. A.; Rivera, D. G.; Westermann, B.;Diversification of a novel α‐galactosyl ceramide hotspot boosts the adjuvant properties in parenteral and mucosal vaccinesAngew. Chem. Int. Ed.63e202310983(2024)DOI: 10.1002/anie.202310983
The development of potent adjuvants is an important step for improving the performance of subunit vaccines. CD1d agonists, such as the prototypical α‐galactosyl ceramide (α‐GalCer), are of special interest due to their ability to activate iNKT cells and trigger rapid dendritic cell maturation and B‐cell activation. Herein, we introduce a novel derivatization hotspot at the α‐GalCer skeleton, namely the N‐substituent at the amide bond. The multicomponent diversification of this previously unexplored glycolipid chemotype space permitted the introduction of a variety of extra functionalities that can either potentiate the adjuvant properties or serve as handles for further conjugation to antigens toward the development of self‐adjuvanting vaccines. This strategy led to the discovery of compounds eliciting enhanced antigen‐specific T cell stimulation and a higher antibody response when delivered by either the parenteral or the mucosal route, as compared to a known potent CD1d agonist. Notably, various functionalized α‐GalCer analogues showed a more potent adjuvant effect after intranasal immunization than a PEGylated α‐GalCer analogue previously optimized for this purpose. Ultimately, this work could open multiple avenues of opportunity for the use of mucosal vaccines against microbial infections.
Publikation
Otify, A. M.; Ibrahim, R. M.; Abib, B.; Laub, A.; Wessjohann, L. A.; Jiang, Y.; Farag, M. A.;Unveiling metabolome heterogeneity and new chemicals in 7 tomato varieties via multiplex approach of UHPLC-MS/MS, GC–MS, and UV–Vis in relation to antioxidant effects as analyzed using molecular networking and chemometricsFood Chem.417135866(2023)DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.135866
Tomatoes show diverse phytochemical attributes that contribute to their nutritive and health values. This study comprehensively dissects primary and secondary metabolite profiles of seven tomato varieties. UHPLC-qTOF-MS assisted molecular networking was used to monitor 206 metabolites, 30 of which were first-time to be reported. Flavonoids, as valuable antioxidants, were enriched in light-colored tomatoes (golden sweet, sun gold, and yellow plum) versus high tomatoside A, an antihyperglycemic saponin, in cherry bomb and red plum varieties. UV–Vis analysis revealed similar results with a strong absorbance corresponding to rich phenolic content in light varieties. GC–MS unveiled monosaccharides as the main contributors to samples’ segregation, found abundant in San Marzano tomato accounting for its sweet flavor. Fruits also demonstrated potential antioxidant activities in correlation to their flavonoids and phospholipids. This work provides a complete map of tomatoes’ metabolome heterogeneity for future breeding programs and a comparative approach utilizing different metabolomic platforms for tomato analysis.
Publikation
Püllmann, P.; Homann, D.; Karl, T. A.; König, B.; Weissenborn, M. J.;Light‐controlled biocatalysis by unspecific peroxygenases with genetically encoded photosensitizersAngew. Chem. Int. Ed.62e202307897(2023)DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307897
Fungal unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) have gained substantial attention for their versatile oxyfunctionalization chemistry paired with impressive catalytic capabilities. A major drawback, however, remains their sensitivity towards their co‐substrate hydrogen peroxide, necessitating the use of smart in situ hydrogen peroxide generation methods to enable efficient catalysis setups. Herein, we introduce flavin‐containing protein photosensitizers as a new general tool for light‐controlled in situ hydrogen peroxide production. By genetically fusing flavin binding fluorescent proteins and UPOs, we have created two virtually self‐sufficient photo‐enzymes (PhotUPO). Subsequent testing of a versatile substrate panel with the two divergent PhotUPOs revealed two stereoselective conversions. The catalytic performance of the fusion protein was optimized through enzyme and substrate loading variation, enabling up to 24300 turnover numbers (TONs) for the sulfoxidation of methyl phenyl sulfide. The PhotUPO concept was upscaled to a 100 mg substrate preparative scale, enabling the extraction of enantiomerically pure alcohol products.Graphical Abstract
Unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) have recently gained
attraction as versatile oxyfunctionalization catalysts. One shortcoming,
however, is their susceptibility towards the co-substrate hydrogen
peroxide. As a solution, the concept of light-dependent UPO biocatalysis
with genetically encoded flavin-containing photosensitizer proteins for
in situ hydrogen peroxide production is introduced.