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Advances in protein engineering have led scientists to explore the potential of enzymes in new ways, enabling them to catalyze reactions that do not occur in nature. By establishing her research group at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in February, synthetic chemist Julia Reisenbauer will focus on repurposing the unique reactivity of enzymes to unlock entirely new chemical pathways. Her research could find broad applications in medicine, therapeutics, agriculture, materials science, and sustainable chemical processes.
Enzymes, often dubbed nature's catalysts, can orchestrate complex chemical reactions with surgical precision. Recent strides in protein engineering have made them a treasure trove for research in biocatalysis and environmental remediation. Rebuilding enzymes to catalyze chemical reactions beyond their natural capabilities could accelerate the production of pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals while making them more sustainable. Moreover, enzymes could be redesigned to degrade synthetic compounds that act as persistent organic pollutants, thereby providing innovative solutions to these long-term environmental threats.
Engineered enzymes as key agents of innovation
As a new assistant professor at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), synthetic chemist Julia Reisenbauer is focused on harnessing enzyme engineering for widespread applications. “We discover and engineer enzymes to perform novel chemical transformations that are beyond their natural functions,” Reisenbauer explains. Additionally, her group aims to develop innovative engineering tools to enhance the efficiency of these functions. “Our ultimate aim is to leverage these newly designed enzyme pathways to deliver practical and sustainable solutions in chemistry.” By integrating advanced protein engineering, computational modeling, and machine learning, Reisenbauer’s interdisciplinary research will develop biocatalysts that can act as key agents of innovation in both scientific and societal contexts.
Asked about her ambitions within this field, Reisenbauer said: “We aim to develop innovative and sustainable approaches to construct molecules and break down or transform harmful pollutants. Our long-term goal is to perform curiosity-driven research that delivers real benefits to society by working across disciplines through fruitful collaborations.” Reisenbauer’s research will find applications across diverse areas, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and materials science, with the potential to influence industrial processes and everyday life.
Lower Austria: Back to the roots after ETH & Caltech
Reisenbauer completed her PhD at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, in 2023, and was recognized with both an ETH medal for “Outstanding PhD thesis” and the Prix Schläfli Award for Chemistry from the Swiss Academy of Sciences in 2024. The 30-year-old Austrian scientist, who grew up in Edlitz (district of Neunkirchen), returns to her native Lower Austria to join ISTA after conducting postdoctoral research at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in the United States. By establishing the “Biocatalysis and Protein Engineering” group at ISTA, Reisenbauer seeks to cultivate an atmosphere where curiosity thrives. “My goal is to foster a collaborative and supportive environment that inspires creative and innovative thinking,” she outlines. “As a team, we will challenge the existing boundaries of current biocatalytic methods and develop novel synthetic transformations for therapeutics and effective bioremediation.”
Beyond her work in the lab, Reisenbauer finds balance and inspiration from the natural world. An avid enthusiast of the outdoors, she looks forward to rediscovering the natural beauty of Vienna and Klosterneuburg.
With Reisenbauer joining the ranks of the ISTA faculty, the Institute’s highly interdisciplinary research environment gains a new expert who seeks to advance scientific understanding at the cross-section of disciplines while contributing tangible benefits to society.
https://ista.ac.at/en/research/reisenbauer-group/ Research group "Biocatalysis and Protein Engineering" at ISTA
ISTA welcomes synthetic chemist Julia Reisenbauer as new assistant professor
Quelle: © ISTA
Copyright: © ISTA
With her group at ISTA, Julia Reisenbauer will focus on repurposing the unique reactivity of enzymes ...
Quelle: © ISTA
Copyright: © ISTA
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