معرفی
Robert Kourist serves as a Professor at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBT) within Graz University of Technology. He leads the Kourist Research Team, focusing on enzyme engineering for synthetic applications with emphasis on lyases and oxidoreductases. His work develops sustainable biocatalytic processes for producing optically pure building blocks and bio-based products through integrated molecular approaches.
His research encompasses enzyme engineering via designed evolution, combining rational and evolutionary strategies. Key achievements include decarboxylase variants with enhanced activity/selectivity, integration of lyases with metal-catalyzed reactions in organic solvents, and coupling oxidoreductases to photosynthesis for cofactor regeneration. This interdisciplinary work involves structural biology, organic chemistry, and analytical chemistry collaborations to advance sustainable synthesis methodologies.
Professor Kourist mentors graduate students including Aline Telzerow (transaminase engineering for substrate scope expansion) and Anna Schweiger (novel selective decarboxylase development). His research group operates within IMBT's framework at TU Graz, driving innovations in biocatalysis through enzyme cascade design and photosynthetic cofactor regeneration systems.
