2 - The fundamentals and fun of biocatalysis

Abstract

As our industrialized world is striving for sustainability the continued exploration and use of enzymes and microbes for the provision of goods and services to mankind with attributes of selectivity, specificity, productivity and environmental friendliness cannot be overemphasized. Biocatalysis is taken as one brave word that spells the twelve principles of green chemistry. To illustrate both the fundamentals and fun of biocatalysis, various successful applications of biocatalysis, the acrylamide story as a prototype, are highlighted together with a list of biocatalysis applications taken from the U.S. Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards 1996–2012. The basic parameters defining a biocatalytic reaction are also presented in a tutorial manner. Finally, how the unlimited marine environment can offer to biocatalysis at large, merits of nature versus nurture in biocatalyst acquisition, and the transition from petroleum-based chemicals manufacture to a more sustainable biomass-based production are discussed. All in all, biocatalysis is destined to play an ever-i ncreasing role in meeting societal and industrial needs while achieving environmental sustainability.