Frank Hannemann
Papers
2
Total Citations
97
H-Index
2
About
Frank Hannemann is a leading figure in the field of cytochrome P450 biotechnology and steroid biotransformation. His research focuses on the rational design and engineering of microbial systems, particularly *Escherichia coli*, for the whole-cell synthesis of complex steroid hormones. Hannemann’s major contributions lie in developing recombinant biocatalysts that replace multi-step, low-yield chemical syntheses with efficient, selective biological processes. His seminal 2006 work, cited over 60 times, established a foundational *E. coli* platform for steroid synthesis and molecular evolution of steroid hydroxylases. Building on this, his 2015 study achieved a significant milestone by engineering a recombinant CYP11B1-dependent biocatalyst for the selective, one-step production of cortisol from 11-deoxycortisol. This work is notable for its direct biotechnological relevance, as cortisol is a major stress hormone and a commercially vital anti-inflammatory drug. By optimizing this system toward preparative scale, Hannemann has bridged fundamental enzyme engineering with practical pharmaceutical manufacturing, demonstrating how microbial cell factories can offer sustainable, high-yield routes to complex therapeutic steroids.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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