Enzymatic synthesis of cefprozil based on an EO20PO80/water aqueous two-phase system and its purification

Abstract

Cefprozil is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, is widely used in the treatment of bronchitis and bacterial infections. Chemical synthesis methods have the disadvantage of complicated steps and high toxicity, while enzymatic synthesis in aqueous phase can be incomplete and susceptible to side reactions. To address these issues, a new green preparation method for cefprozil was developed by combining an enzymatic reaction with a 20 % ethylene oxide/80 % propylene oxide (v/v) random copolymer (EO20PO80)/water aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). In this method, the yield of the enzyme reaction increased from 80.3 % in the aqueous system to 93.1 %. The resulting products were mainly precipitated, with a small amount remaining in the two-phase solution. The distribution coefficient was 1.44. After washing and purification, the purity of the precipitated product reached 97.3 %, with no remaining polymer. The product in the two-phase solution was purified by crystallization using DMF. The total recovery of the precipitated and solution products after crystallization was 78.9 %. Finally, molecular simulation technology was used to explain how polymers promote cefprozil precipitation at a microscopic level.