Creating new amino acids using advanced biocatalysis techniques

Pyridoxal Radical Biocatalysis for the Stereoselective Production of Non-Canonical Amino Acids

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA BARBARA · NIH-11133444

This study is exploring new ways to make special building blocks called amino acids that can help create better medicines, using light and natural processes, so that patients can benefit from improved treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA BARBARA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SANTA BARBARA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11133444 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing innovative methods to produce non-canonical amino acids, which are important for creating new medicines and therapeutic proteins. By combining biocatalysis with photochemistry, the researchers aim to harness the power of enzymes in a novel way to create amino acids that are not typically found in nature. This approach involves using visible light to activate these enzymes, allowing for precise control over the chemical reactions that produce these valuable compounds. Patients may benefit from the resulting therapeutics that utilize these newly developed amino acids.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions that could be treated with novel therapeutics derived from non-canonical amino acids.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by conditions that could be treated with these new medications may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new and more effective medications tailored to specific health conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While biocatalysis has been explored in various contexts, this specific approach combining photochemistry and directed evolution for amino acid production is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

SANTA BARBARA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.