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The combination of computational design and directed evolution could offer a general strategy to create enzymes with new functions. To date, this approach has delivered enzymes for a handful of model reactions. Here we show that new catalytic mechanisms can be engineered into proteins to accelerate more challenging chemical transformations. Evolutionary optimization of a primitive design afforded an efficient and enantioselective enzyme (BH32.14) for the Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) reaction. BH32.14 is suitable for preparative scale transformations, accepts a broad range of aldehyde and enone coupling partners, and is able to promote selective mono-functionalizations of dialdehydes. Crystallographic, biochemical and computational studies reveal that BH32.14 operates via a sophisticated catalytic mechanism comprising a His23 nucleophile paired with a judiciously positioned Arg124. This catalytic arginine shuttles between conformational states to stabilize multiple oxyanion intermediates and serves as a genetically encoded surrogate of privileged bidentate hydrogen bonding catalysts (e.g. thioureas). This study demonstrates that elaborate catalytic devices can be built from scratch to promote demanding multi-step processes not observed in Nature.

The ability to programme new modes of catalysis into proteins would allow the development of enzyme families with functions beyond those found in nature. To this end, genetic code expansion methodology holds particular promise, as it allows the site-selective introduction of new functional elements into proteins as non-canonical amino acid side chains. [1][2][3][4] Here, we exploit an expanded genetic code to develop a photoenzyme that operates via triplet energy transfer catalysis, a versatile mode of reactivity in organic synthesis that is currently not accessible to biocatalysis. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Installation of a genetically encoded photosensitiser into the beta-propeller scaffold of DA_20_00 13 converts a de novo Diels-Alderase into a photoenzyme for [2+2]cycloadditions (EnT1.0). Subsequent development and implementation of a platform for photoenzyme evolution afforded an efficient and enantioselective enzyme (EnT1.3, up to 99% e.e.) that can promote selective cycloadditions that have proven challenging to achieve with small molecule catalysts. EnT1.3 performs >300 turnovers and, in contrast to small molecule photocatalysts, can operate effectively under aerobic conditions. A 1.7 Å resolution X-ray crystal structure of an EnT1.3-product complex shows how multiple functional components work in synergy to promote efficient and selective photocatalysis. This study opens the door to a wealth of new excited-state chemistry in protein active sites and establishes the framework for developing a new generation of evolvable photocatalysts with efficiencies and specificities akin to natural enzymes.

The Covid-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for cost-effective processes to rapidly manufacture antiviral drugs at scale. Here we report a concise biocatalytic process for Molnupiravir, a nucleoside analogue recently approved as an orally available treatment for SARS-CoV-2. Key to the success of this process was the development of an efficient biocatalyst for the production of N -hydroxy-cytidine through evolutionary adaption of the hydrolytic enzyme cytidine deaminase. This engineered biocatalyst performs >85 000 turnovers in less than 3 h, operates at 180 g/L substrate loading, and benefits from in situ crystallization of the N -hydroxy-cytidine product (85% yield), which can be converted to Molnupiravir by a selective 5′-acylation using Novozym 435.