Biotransformacija

Biotransformacija refers to the biochemical modification of a compound by living organisms or their enzymes. This process is fundamental in both natural biological systems and in various industrial applications. In nature, biotransformation is crucial for the metabolism of xenobiotics (foreign compounds), detoxification processes, and the synthesis of essential biomolecules. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, are particularly adept at performing a wide array of biotransformations due to their diverse enzymatic machinery.

Enzymes, which are biological catalysts, are the primary agents responsible for biotransformations. They can catalyze reactions like oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, and conjugation. These reactions often lead to changes in the chemical structure, polarity, and biological activity of the substrate molecule. For instance, the liver in mammals is a major site for biotransformation, detoxifying harmful substances and preparing them for excretion.

In industrial biotechnology, biotransformation is harnessed for the production of pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and biofuels. For example, it is used to produce specific enantiomers of drugs, which is critical for their therapeutic efficacy and to avoid side effects. The use of enzymes or whole cells in biotransformation offers advantages such as high specificity, mild reaction conditions (temperature and pressure), and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional chemical synthesis. Research continues to explore novel enzymes and microorganisms for expanding the scope and efficiency of biotransformation processes.