Biotransformationer

Biotransformationer is a term used to describe any biological system or engineered agent capable of transforming chemical substances through biotransformation. In practice, the phrase is uncommon; scientists usually refer to biotransforming organisms, biocatalysts, or enzymes. Biotransformationers can be living cells, such as bacteria, fungi, or plants, or purified enzymes and immobilized catalysts used in laboratory and industrial settings.

Biotransformation operates mainly through two phases. Phase I functionalization introduces or reveals polar functional groups by oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis, often mediated by enzymes such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, flavin-containing monooxygenases, and hydrolases. Phase II involves conjugation with endogenous molecules like glucuronic acid, sulfate, or glutathione, mediated by transferases, to increase solubility for excretion or disposal. Some systems perform only one phase, while others conduct sequential transformations that yield more water-soluble or less toxic products.

Applications of biotransformationers span several fields. In pharmacology, they metabolize drugs, influence efficacy and toxicity, and can activate prodrugs. In environmental science, microorganisms or enzymes transform pollutants, aiding bioremediation and wastewater treatment. In industry, engineered microbes or isolated enzymes carry out selective transformations to produce pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals with high regio- and enantioselectivity.

Limitations and considerations include variability in activity due to genetics, induction, co-factors, and environmental conditions; safety and regulatory concerns for engineered organisms; and the fact that the term itself is not a standard classification, with researchers typically using more specific descriptors for the system in question.