#South Korea #Chonnam National University #Jeollanam-do #Formaldehyde #L-glyceraldehyde

Transforming Toxicity into Value: The Breakthrough of Chonnam National University

Formaldehyde is a chemical that finds extensive use across various industries—from disinfectants to resin precursors. However, it poses significant environmental and health risks due to its volatility and toxicity. This alarming concern necessitates innovative strategies for transforming formaldehyde into non-toxic, high-value products, ensuring both environmental safety and chemical sustainability.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Chonnam National University in South Korea have accomplished just that by developing a biocatalytic process utilizing engineered enzymes. Leading this incredible innovation is Dr. Taner Duysak, who, under the guidance of Professor Jeong-Sun Kim in the Department of Chemistry, has made a substantial advancement in converting the harmful formaldehyde into L-glyceraldehyde, a valuable chiral compound. Their work, released online on October 21, 2025, and published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, presents a significant leap towards greener chemical manufacturing.

The researchers harnessed a specially engineered enzyme known as fructose-6-phosphate aldolase (GaFSA), derived from Gilliamella apicola. This enzyme facilitates carbon–carbon bond formation through a process called aldol condensation, combining glycolaldehyde (GALD) with formaldehyde. Initially, the reaction created a substantial quantity of D-threose, a less desirable byproduct. However, by implementing targeted mutations in the enzyme—specifically at Ser166 and Val203, which are crucial for regioselectivity—they were able to drastically reduce the presence of D-threose, achieving over 93% selectivity under mild, aqueous conditions.

Moreover, the research team succeeded in creating GALD directly from formaldehyde, which eliminated the need for external GALD supplementation. This was accomplished by coupling the engineered GaFSA with an optimized glyoxylate carboligase from E. coli (EcGCL), enriching the conversion efficiency. Dr. Duysak elaborated on this remarkable eco-friendly, one-pot enzymatic cascade, which achieved around 94% conversion efficiency from 25 mM formaldehyde while operating at a neutral pH of 7.5 and a temperature of 40 °C, resulting in minimal byproducts. The entire process is conducted in water with normal atmospheric pressure, requiring only natural cofactors for the EcGCL to function, thereby avoiding toxic solvents or chemicals.

The implications of this research extend beyond mere chemical conversions. Dr. Duysak emphasizes its potential applications in environmental detoxification by safely removing formaldehyde from industrial waste. Furthermore, they highlight how L-glyceraldehyde serves as a renewable raw material essential for producing rare sugars and chiral intermediates in pharmaceutical development. As a central player in numerous biochemical pathways, L-glyceraldehyde holds the promise of aiding in the evolution of compounds with therapeutic benefits ranging from antibiotic properties to anti-cancer effects.

The research conducted at Chonnam National University illustrates a path where hazardous industrial toxins can be systematically transformed into valuable chemical products, paving the way for a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. This new approach could inspire further advancements in chemical processes, promoting the recycling of waste into new materials and contributing to the development of green pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals across the globe. With ongoing efforts in enzyme engineering, researchers aim to create a more sustainable chemical manufacturing landscape. In the decade to come, methodologies akin to this groundbreaking study promise to revolutionize how industries handle hazardous waste while producing substances of high utility and significance in various sectors.