Microwave Assisted Enzyme Catalysis: Practice and Perspective

Abstract

Green chemistry aims at reducing/eliminating the environmental impact of chemical processes by adopting the so-called dozen principles covering waste minimization strategies and sustainability. Waste minimization embraces the reduction in consumption of raw materials and solvents and also a reduction in energy consumption. Catalysis is one of the foremost principles of green chemistry, and both chemical and biocatalysis have been advocated in the manufacture of a variety of chemicals. In this context, biocatalysis has emerged as a clean and ecofriendly practice for the synthesis of organic compounds with high regio- and stereo-selectivity. Similarly, microwave radiation has also emerged as a simple, fast, energy efficient and green alternative heating source for organic and material synthesis. Microwave irradiation has the potential to intensify processes by shortening the reaction time and improving the reaction rate and yield vis-à-vis conventional heating. The combination of microwave irradiation and biocatalysis will definitely make a synthetic process much more sustainable and cheaper when compared to the conventional chemical process. This chapter is focused on the merits associated with microwave assisted enzymatic reactions for the synthesis of fine organic chemicals across several industries, and also the synergistic effects of microwaves on enzyme kinetics.