Industrializing Biocatalysis

Abstract

Biocatalysis leverages enzymes, nature’s catalysts, to enhance essential steps in chemical synthesis, thereby promoting more sustainable and efficient processes. Enzymes, macromolecular proteins, catalyze reactions with precision and efficiency in all living organisms. These biocatalysts have been honed over millenia for their specific roles within a biological system; however, they can be effectively reengineered to address novel challenges through recent advancements in molecular biology and bioinformatics. In this review, we present selected enzyme sourcing and engineering examples from our laboratory demonstrating the transition of enzymatic processes from academic research to application in Swiss industries.