Abstract: Described herein is a rapid coupled enzymatic assay to detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds in samples. The method uses a detection composition that includes: a buffered solution comprising NADH; naphthalene dioxygenase, naphthalene 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydronaphthalene dehydrogenase, and 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene dioxygenase. The presence of PAH is determined by noting a color change of the detection composition, either visually or spectrophotometrically.

Abstract: Described herein is a rapid coupled enzymatic assay to detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds in samples. The method uses a detection composition that includes: a buffered solution comprising NADH; naphthalene dioxygenase, naphthalene 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydronaphthalene dehydrogenase, and 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene dioxygenase. The presence of PAH is determined by noting a color change of the detection composition, either visually or spectrophotometrically.

Abstract: Glycol ether acetates, and in particular propylene glycol alkyl (or aryl) ether acetates, can be resolved enzymatically by enantioselective hydrolysis with a hydrolase at high concentrations of substrates; in some embodiments, the hydrolase is a lipase. Glycol ethers, and in particular propylene glycol alkyl (or aryl) ethers, can be resolved enzymatically by enantioselective transesterification with a hydrolase, in the presence of an acyl donor, at high concentrations of substrates; in some embodiments, the hydrolase is a lipase.

Abstract: The invention provides an NDO or NDO related complex comprising at least one alpha-subunit polypeptide that comprises: 1) a substituted amino acid at the position corresponding to position 352 in NDO, 2) a substituted amino acid at the position corresponding to position 201, 202, 260, 316, 351, 358, 362, or 366 in NDO, or 3) a substituted amino acid at the position corresponding to position 352 in NDO, and a substituted amino acid at the position corresponding to position 201, 202, 260, 316, 351, 358, 362, or 366 in NDO; or a catalytically active fragment thereof. The invention also provides DNA encoding such polypeptides, host cells augmented by such DNA, and methods for using the enzymes or host cells to provide useful and novel synthons. The invention also provides novel compounds prepared with the complexes or methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides an NDO or NDO related complex comprising at least one alpha-subunit polypeptide that comprises: 1) a substituted amino acid at the position corresponding to position 352 in NDO, 2) a substituted amino acid at the position corresponding to position 201, 202, 260, 316, 351, 358, 362, or 366 in NDO, or 3) a substituted amino acid at the position corresponding to position 352 in NDO, and a substituted amino acid at the position corresponding to position 201, 202, 260, 316, 351, 358, 362, or 366 in NDO; or a catalytically active fragment thereof. The invention also provides DNA encoding such polypeptides, host cells augmented by such DNA, and methods for using the enzymes or host cells to provide useful and novel synthons. The invention also provides novel compounds prepared with the complexes or methods of the invention.