Our research group combines methods from organic chemistry, protein biochemistry and directed evolution to design, apply and understand new enzyme function. Completely new catalytic reactions can be envisioned in enzymes, because their macromolecular structure enables a very high level of molecular recognition to control catalytic cycles. Reaction discovery and development in enzyme active sites benefit from the ability to precisely bind substrates in defined conformations, to guide competing reactions pathways and to control highly reactive intermediates such as carbocations and radicals.
We aim to develop a new class of catalysts for synthetic organic chemistry that is protein-based, fully genetically encoded and catalyzes fundamental C-C, C-N and C-O bond formations that do not have a good catalytic solution. These new enzymes will potentially be applied in organic synthesis, increase our understanding in enzymology and can expand the metabolism in living organisms.
Bengel LL, Aberle B, Egler-Kemmerer AN, Kienzle S, Hauer B, Hammer SC, Angew Chem Int Ed, 2021, 60, 5554. This research article has been highlighted in Synfacts and as HOT Paper by Angewandte Chemie.
Demming RM, Hammer SC, Nestl BM, Gergel S, Fademrecht S, Pleiss J, Hauer B, Angew Chem Int Ed, 2019, 58, 173. This research has been highlighted in Synfacts.
Hammer SC, Kubik G, Watkins E, Huang S, Minges H, Arnold FH. Science 2017, 358, 215. This research has been highlighted in C&EN, Synfacts and in “Chemistry Research of the year 2017”.
Hammer SC, Knight AM, Arnold FH. Curr. Opin. Green Sustain. Chem. 2017, 7, 23. One of the most cited articles in Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry.
Hammer SC, Marjanovic A, Dominicus JM, Nestl BM, Hauer B. Nat. Chem. Biol. 2015, 11.
PhD Student
Matúš is from Bratislava (Slovakia) and studied biotechnology in Bratislava and Graz. Matúš joined our group after his master thesis with Robert Kourist.
PhD Student
Sebastian is from swabia in southwest Germany. He is a chemist by training and performed his master thesis with Bettina Nestl and Bernhard Hauer.
PhD Student
Cindy is from Switzerland where she studied chemical biology at ETH Zürich. Cindy joined us after her master thesis with Donald Hilvert.
PhD Student
Felipe comes from Colombia and is a chemist by training. Before joining our group, Felipe worked as lecturer and research assistant with Felipe Otálvaro at Universidad de Antioquia in Medellín.