Ulf Hanefeld

Ulf Hanefeld is a Full Professor and Section Leader in the Department of Biotechnology at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), where he leads the Biocatalysis research section. His work integrates chemistry and biology to develop sustainable synthetic methodologies using enzymes.

• PhD from Georg-August-Universität zu Göttingen (1993)
• Postdoctoral experience at Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, and TU Delft
• Recipient of a Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) fellowship

His research interests center on biocatalysis, particularly enzymes that enable difficult chemical transformations such as C–C bond formation, enantioselective hydration, and ozonolysis. He focuses on enzyme discovery, engineering, immobilization, and application in flow chemistry to achieve sustainable and efficient synthesis. His work spans from fundamental enzyme mechanism studies to industrial applications in green chemistry.

The publication trends reveal a consistent focus on enzyme immobilization, flow reactor systems, and chemo-enzymatic cascades. His recent work emphasizes the use of hydroxynitrile lyases, aldolases, and methyltransferases for the synthesis of chiral intermediates under environmentally benign conditions. The integration of biocatalysis with continuous manufacturing highlights a strong commitment to industrial applicability and process sustainability.

Scientific contributions and recognition:

• Active contributor to high-impact journals in chemistry and biotechnology
• Coordinated research in the CassaFLOW project (international academic-industrial collaboration)
• Author of influential reviews, e.g., in Chemical Society Reviews (2022)

Teaching and supervision: He teaches Catalysis (Bachelor) and Advanced Biocatalysis (Master), and supervises numerous Master’s theses (MEP) and Bachelor’s projects (BEP). Students in his group are actively involved in research and often become co-authors on scientific papers. Projects center on green chemistry, enzyme engineering, and spectroscopic analysis of biochemical systems.

Laboratory and research environment: The Ulf Hanefeld Group operates within the Biocatalysis section, a multidisciplinary environment fostering collaboration on enzyme discovery, immobilization, and cascade reactions. The group emphasizes practical innovation, with strong links to industry and international research networks.