Enhancing Enzyme Stability for Biotechnological Applications

Abstract

Enzymes are emerging as a central element of green chemistry due to their high selectivity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. However, their application in biotechnology is often limited by their poor stability under non-native conditions. Such an instability eventually compromises their catalytic efficiency and economic viability. To date, no single solution exists to universally solve the challenge of enzyme stability. Herein, we summarized the main strategies that have been developed to address this challenge, including enzyme discovery, protein engineering, enzyme immobilization, and computational tools. Beyond stability, this account also highlights recent technologies to improve biocatalytic efficiency. All these approaches are illustrated by examples of our most recent research work. Ultimately, enhancing enzyme stability and activity will have a broad impact for biocatalytic processes in biomedicine, food processing, and chemical manufacturing, among other biotechnology areas.