Green chemistry and biocatalysis: Engineering a sustainable future

Abstract

The increasing role of biocatalysis in the green and sustainable manufacture of chemicals is discussed. In the last two decades the breadth and scope of biocatalysis has increased enormously as a result of remarkable advances in metagenomics, protein engineering and bioinformatics. Moreover, the use of enzymes has become more cost-effective through advances in immobilization technologies and the application of the immobilized enzymes in continuous flow operation in packed bed reactors. Consequently, biocatalysis is already the method of choice for the synthesis of enantiopure chiral products for the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. Further applications in commodity chemicals manufacture are currently being stimulated by the increasing maturity of biocatalysis and the ongoing transition to a bio-based circular economy based on the valorization of organic waste on the road to net zero manufacturing.