Photoenzymatic synthesis and rational engineering of enzymes are among the most emerging research areas. Herein, a highly selective photodecarboxylation of trans fatty acid was achieved by rational repurposing of the photodecarboxylase. Specifically, via molecular docking, a mutant of the photodecarboxylase CvFAP, namely V453E-CvFAP, was rationaly designed, constructed and subjected to the photoactivated decarboxylation of fatty acids. It turned out that the mutant was highly selective towards elaidic acid, thereby enriching oleic acid. Experimental trainings like cells culturing, protein expression, reaction design, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of products were included. The experiment is easy to conduct and safe for undergraduate chemistry experiment.

Keywords： Rational evolution of enzyme ; Photodecarboxylase CvFAP ; Trans fatty acid ; Photobiocatalysis ; Decarboxylation