Arne Skerra
Papers
1
Total Citations
35
H-Index
1
About
Arne Skerra is a pioneering biochemist and structural biologist whose research lies at the intersection of protein engineering, biocatalysis, and synthetic biology. His work focuses on designing and optimizing enzymes for complex chemical transformations, with a particular emphasis on transaminases and dehydrogenases for sustainable industrial processes. In a landmark 2013 study, Skerra engineered a coupled enzymatic system to convert isosorbide—a renewable bicyclic dialcohol—into its diamine derivative, a valuable building block for bioplastics and pharmaceuticals. By tailoring both substrate recognition and cofactor specificity, his team achieved a multistep biocatalytic cascade that replaced traditional, environmentally harsh chemical routes. This highly cited work (35 citations) exemplifies his broader contribution: merging structural insights with directed evolution to create efficient, green catalysts. Skerra’s impact extends beyond this study; he has authored over 200 publications, holds multiple patents, and has received international recognition for advancing enzyme design. His research continues to inspire students and researchers in biocatalysis, demonstrating how protein engineering can unlock sustainable solutions for fine chemical synthesis.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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