Oxidations catalyzed by phenylacetone monooxygenase from Thermobifida fusca

Several organic sulfides, ketones and other organic systems have been tested as substrates in oxidation reactions catalyzed by the recently discovered phenylacetone monooxygenase from Thermobifida fusca. The biocatalytic properties of this Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase have been studied, revealing reactivity with a large range of sulfides and ketones. Oxidations of several sulfoxides, an amine and an organoboron compound were also observed. The enzyme is able to oxidize a number of sulfides with excellent enantioselectivity, demonstrating the catalytic potential of this novel biocatalyst.