Synthesis of 4-Iodoimidazole Nucleosides: A Biocatalyzed Whole Cell Approach

Abstract

Nucleoside analogues are biologically active drugs that are well known for their therapeutic properties. Chemical synthesis of these compounds is complex due to time constraints, contaminant methodologies, and numerous steps involved. In contrast, biocatalyzed synthesis, particularly using microorganisms, offers many advantages. In this work, we introduce the synthesis of 4-iodoimidazole-ribonucleoside, through a microbial transglycosylation biocatalyzed by Erwinia amylovora whole cells, selected as the optimal catalyst for this biotransformation upon evaluating our microbial collection. Parameters were analyzed to optimize the reaction, and the use of this biocatalyst in transglycosylation with other natural and non-natural bases and different sugar donor nucleosides was also verified.