Erik Henke
Papers
1
Total Citations
103
H-Index
1
About
Erik Henke is a pioneer in the field of directed evolution, with a primary focus on engineering enantioselective enzymes for asymmetric synthesis. His landmark 1999 study, cited over 100 times, introduced a powerful high-throughput fluorescence assay using resorufin to rapidly screen thousands of mutant esterase variants from *Pseudomonas fluorescens* (PFE). By comparing error-prone PCR with mutator strain mutagenesis, Henke demonstrated how random mutagenesis could dramatically enhance enzyme stereoselectivity—a critical property for pharmaceutical and fine chemical production. This work established a foundational methodology for evolving biocatalysts with tailored substrate specificity, bridging the gap between protein engineering and industrial applications. Henke’s contributions have inspired subsequent generations of researchers to apply directed evolution for creating more efficient, selective, and sustainable enzymatic processes. His innovative combination of random mutagenesis with sensitive fluorescence detection remains a benchmark in the field, underscoring his lasting impact on biocatalysis and synthetic biology.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1