Fluorometric Assay Protocol for Protease-Catalyzed Transesterification Reactions in Organic Solvents

A flourometric assay protocol for a subtilisin-catalyzed transesterification reaction in n-hexane has been developed. The method makes use of a Michael acceptor that forms a fluorescent adduct with thiophenol, one of the products generated in the transesterification reaction. The method may be employed for screening a biocatalyst useful for transesterification reactions in organic solvents and for optimizing the transesterification reaction conditions.