WholeCellKatalyse

WholeCellKatalyse is a term used in the field of biocatalysis to describe strategies that employ whole cells, or cell-derived systems, to catalyze chemical transformations. The concept extends traditional whole-cell biocatalysis by emphasizing integrated, multi-enzyme processes that operate within the cellular context or in permeabilized or immobilized cell preparations. While the exact use of the term varies, it generally refers to leveraging cellular metabolism and enzyme networks to enable conversions that are difficult for isolated enzymes.

Core ideas include using intact cells to provide natural cofactor recycling, tolerance to substrates, and the ability to perform multi-step reactions in a single pot. Platforms range from live cells acting as biocatalysts to permeabilized cells and whole-cell extracts that retain intracellular enzymes. Engineering approaches may aim to improve substrate uptake, product export, enzyme expression, and pathway flux, often through metabolic engineering and synthetic biology methods.

Applications include synthesis of pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, chiral intermediates, and biofuels. In industry, whole-cell catalysis can offer cost advantages by reducing enzyme purification steps and enabling complex reactions under mild conditions. Process design often considers reactor type, cell viability, substrate and oxygen transfer, and downstream separation.

Challenges include regulatory considerations for products derived from genetically modified organisms, stability and reproducibility of whole-cell systems, and scale-up. Ongoing research seeks to improve control over pathway flux, reduce by-product formation, and enable rational design of robust cells for industrial catalysis. Related topics include whole-cell biocatalysis, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology.