Biological synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of arylalkylamine

Hydroxycinnamic acid amides (HCAAs) are natural compounds with antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. Extraction from plants and chemical synthesis have been the major approaches to obtain these compounds. We used a biological method to synthesize HCAA derivatives (arylalkylamines). Two genes, SHT encoding serotonin N -hydroxycinnamoyl transferase and 4CL encoding 4-coumaroyl-CoA ligase, were introduced into Escherichia coli . Using this E. coli transformant as a biocatalyst, 24 arylalkylamines were synthesized. The anti-inflammatory activities of five synthesized compounds, including N - p -coumaroyl phenethylamine, N -caffeoyl phenethylamine, N - p -coumaroyl 3-phenylpropylamine, N - p -coumaroyl 4-phenylbutylamine, and N - p -coumaroyl 4-methoxyphenethylamine, were measured. Among them, N - p -coumaroyl 4-phenylbutylamine showed the best anti-inflammatory activity.