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8. May 2026
This seminar explores how biocatalysis—using enzymes as highly selective and efficient catalysts—can offer environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemical synthesis.
May 8, 2026, 11. am, Room E.3.20, Hochschule Campus Wien, Section Bioengineering, Favoritenstraße 222, 1100 Vienna
The sustainable production of high-value chemicals remains a major global challenge. This seminar explores how biocatalysis — using enzymes as highly selective and efficient catalysts — can offer environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemical synthesis. Focusing on plant-derived fluorinated metabolites, fluorinases, and hydroxynitrile lyases, the talk highlights how these biological systems can be harnessed to produce valuable compounds with reduced environmental impact.
By bridging biology, chemistry, and engineering, this work demonstrates the potential of enzymes as tools for green manufacturing. Selected examples will illustrate how biocatalysts can be applied in the synthesis of pharmaceutical and industrial compounds. The seminar will also briefly highlight complementary research in drug repurposing for cancer, showcasing how interdisciplinary approaches can drive innovation from fundamental science to real-world applications.
Presentation: Approx. 45 minutes
Discussion: 15 minutes
Dr Selisha Sooklal is a senior lecturer and researcher at the University of South Africa. Her work focuses on biocatalysis—the discovery and application of enzymes for sustainable chemical synthesis. She also leads translational research in anti-cancer drug discovery and development, with innovations that have resulted in patented technologies.
Attendance at the event is free of charge. Please register here.
Should you require sign language interpreters, technical support for hearing impairments or anything else for accessible participation, please contact Karl Rumbold at karl.rumbold@hcw.ac.at.
We will take photos and videos at this event. The recordings will also be published on social media channels and in print media to present our activities.
The Bioengineering Section is part of the Department Applied Life Sciences and focuses on the engineering aspects of biotechnology. The department offers the Bachelor’s Degree Program Bioengineering and the Master’s Degree Programs Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnological Quality Management, and Bioinformatics.