Biocatalytic Process Optimization

Biocatalysis is very appealing to the industry because it allows, in principle, the synthesis of products not accessible by chemical synthesis. Enzymes are very effective, as are precise biocatalysts, as they are enantioselective, with mild reaction conditions and green chemistry. Biocatalysis is currently widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, food industry, cosmetic industry, and textile industry. This includes enzyme production, biocatalytic process development, biotransformation, enzyme engineering, immobilization, the synthesis of fine chemicals and the recycling of biocatalysts. One of the most challenging problems in biocatalysis applications is process optimization. This Special Issue shows that an optimized biocatalysis process can provide an environmentally friendly, clean, highly efficient, low cost, and renewable process for the synthesis and production of valuable products. With further development and improvements, more biocatalysis processes may be applied in the future.

Biocatalysis is very appealing to the industry because it allows, in principle, the synthesis of products not accessible by chemical synthesis. Enzymes are very effective, as are precise biocatalysts, as they are enantioselective, with mild reaction conditions and green chemistry. Biocatalysis is currently widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, food industry, cosmetic industry, and textile industry. This includes enzyme production, biocatalytic process development, biotransformation, enzyme engineering, immobilization, the synthesis of fine chemicals and the recycling of biocatalysts. One of the most challenging problems in biocatalysis applications is process optimization. This Special Issue shows that an optimized biocatalysis process can provide an environmentally friendly, clean, highly efficient, low cost, and renewable process for the synthesis and production of valuable products. With further development and improvements, more biocatalysis processes may be applied in the future.

The whole range of biocatalysis, from a firm grounding in theoretical concepts to in-depth coverage of practical applications and future perspectives. The book not only covers reactions, products and processes with and from biological catalysts, but also the process of designing and improving such biocatalysts. One unique feature is that the fields of chemistry, biology and bioengineering receive equal attention, thus addressing practitioners and students from all three areas.

The synergy between synthetic biology and biocatalysis is emerging as an important trend for future sustainable processes. This book reviews all modern and novel techniques successfully implemented in biocatalysis, in an effort to provide better performing enzymatic systems and novel biosynthetic routes to (non-)natural products. This includes the use of molecular techniques in protein design and engineering, construction of artificial metabolic pathways, and application of computational methods for enzyme discovery and design. Stress is placed on current ‘hot’ topics in biocatalysis, where recent advances in research are defining new grounds in enzyme-catalyzed processes. With contributions from leading academics around the world, this book makes a ground-breaking contribution to this progressive field and is essential reading for graduates and researchers investigating (bio)catalysis, enzyme engineering, chemical biology, and synthetic biology.

This reference book originates from the interdisciplinary research cooperation between academia and industry. In three distinct parts, latest results from basic research on stable enzymes are explained and brought into context with possible industrial applications. Downstream processing technology as well as biocatalytic and biotechnological production processes from global players display the enormous potential of biocatalysts. Application of "extreme" reaction conditions (i.e. unconventional, such as high temperature, pressure, and pH value) - biocatalysts are normally used within a well defined process window - leads to novel synthetic effects. Both novel enzyme systems and the synthetic routes in which they can be applied are made accessible to the reader. In addition, the complementary innovative process technology under unconventional conditions is highlighted by latest examples from biotech industry.

Biocatalysis in Oil Refining focuses on petroleum refining bioprocesses, establishing a connection between science and technology. The micro organisms and biomolecules examined for biocatalytic purposes for oil refining processes are thoroughly detailed. Terminology used by biologists, chemists and engineers is brought into a common language, aiding the understanding of complex biological-chemical-engineering issues. Problems to be addressed by the future R&D activities and by new technologies are described and summarized in the last chapter. * Updated references * Studying bioprocessing problems, looking at opportunities for improvements and technology developments

This book describes recent progress in enzyme-driven green syntheses of industrially important molecules. The first three introductory chapters overview recent technological advances in enzymes and cell-based transformations, and green chemistry metrics for synthetic efficiency. The remaining chapters are directed to case studies in biotechnological production of pharmaceuticals (small molecules, natural products and biologics), flavors, fragrance and cosmetics, fine chemicals, value-added chemicals from glucose and biomass, and polymeric materials. The book is aimed to facilitate the industrial applications of this powerful and emerging green technology, and catalyze the advancement of the technology itself.