Biocatalysis in the 1990s: A perspective

Abstract

Biocatalysis for the 90s, an international conference sponsored by Enzyme and Microbial Technology and co-sponsored by the Society for Industrial Microbiology, was held in June 1991 in Orlando, Florida. This conference focused on new advances in the science and techniques for discovery, design, and use ofbiocatalysts. Among the topics covered were biocatalysis in the production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and new materials; biocatalysis in multiphase, non-aqueous, and low water systems; new industrial enzymes and organisms; biosensors; new advances in reactor design, immobilization technology, and processing; protein engineering; and new applications for old biocatalysts. New insights into protein structure and function, advances in genetic technology, the emergence of powerful techniques for probing the dynamics and folding of macromolecules, and major advances in materials science have all contributed to the renewed emphasis on biocatalysis that is apparent as the field of biotechnology now enters its third decade. We can therefore anticipate that great strides will be made during the decade of the 1990s in the utilization of biocatalysis to solve difficult scientific and technological problems. Such an optimistic view is amply supported by many of the striking new developments reported at Biocatalysis for the 90s. This report summarizes some of these new developments from the perspective of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in enzyme technology.