Padhi Research Group is focusing on advanced biocatalysis. We integrate protein engineering and organic chemistry toward the synthesis of important chiral intermediates. Our group is working on laboratory evolution of enzymes using various protein engineering techniques (including directed evolution) aiming to enhance their biocatalytic properties and explore their catalytic synthetic potentials. We are focusing on development of green methods for existing organic transformations. We apply tailor-made enzymes in the synthesis of fine chemicals, stereoselective products, chiral pharmaceutical intermediates, and for other industrial and biotechnological applications. We are also into understanding the catalytic mechanism of enzymatic transformations. We prepare immobilized enzymes and study their application in asymmetric organic synthesis. Our lab also works on enzymes with industrial applications.

The four themes of our current research on enzyme catalysis are

• Enzyme engineering: One of the focus of our research is to tailor enzymes to achieve high chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity in the synthesis of diverse chiral precursors.

• Enzyme promiscuity: Uncovering the promiscuous activity of natural and engineered enzymes for different organic transformations. Development of new enzymatic strategies for existing organic transformations.

• Enzyme immobilization: Preparing the enzymes to get ready for industrial application. Immobilizing biocatalyst to provide stable, reusable and economical catalyst.

• Cascade biocatalysis: Development of new approaches alternative to synthetic organic transformations to synthesize stereoselective products using cascade of enzymes from easily availed substrates.