Tonya Peeples

The Peeples chemical engineering research group carries out biological conversions that offer more sustainable chemical processes. The application of biological systems in carrying out chemical reactions has long been viewed as a sustainable technology due to the mild conditions for processing. The Peeples group is evaluating the evolution of stabilizing adaptations in microbial systems. Knowledge of unique physiological function may enable the engineering of stability in industrial and environmental biocatalysts. We have developed ‘greener’ approaches to synthesize chiral drug precursor molecules.  Such chemo-enzymatic and whole-cell synthesis processes compete favorably over traditional chemical approaches that employ multiple steps with numerous hazardous chemicals. They have employed biphasic process to increase productivity of the biocatalytic systems. Activities include bacterial and fungal transformations as well as enzymatic “bio-resolution” processes. Current research also includes the discovery of unique enzymes for biotransformation as well as the evaluation of molecular interactions that govern protein stability and biofilm formation.