biokatalyse

Biokatalyse, or biocatalysis, is the use of natural catalysts—primarily enzymes or whole cells—to accelerate chemical reactions. Enzymes provide significant rate enhancements under mild conditions and offer high chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity, enabling transformations that can be difficult for conventional chemical methods. Reactions often proceed in aqueous media at ambient temperature and pressure, and can utilize renewable substrates, contributing to greener manufacturing.

Biokatalyse methods are typically categorized as isolated-enzyme catalysis or whole-cell catalysis. Isolated enzymes allow precise control and can be engineered for improved activity or stability, while whole cells provide a self-contained biocatalyst with cofactor recycling and in situ regeneration. Enzymes can be immobilized for reuse and integration into continuous processes, expanding their industrial utility.

Industrial applications of biokatalyse include the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavors and fragrances, and fine chemicals. Common reactions involve enantioselective amination or hydrolysis to produce chiral amines or amino acids, as well as oxidation-reduction steps and esterification or transesterification using lipases or esterases. Biocatalysis can reduce the number of synthetic steps, solvent use, and reliance on metal catalysts, contributing to more sustainable manufacturing.

Challenges encompass limited substrate scope for some enzymes, sensitivity to process conditions, and requirements for cofactors or robust downstream processing. Advances in biotechnology—such as directed evolution, protein engineering, enzyme immobilization, and engineered whole-cell systems—have expanded enzyme performance and stability. Regulatory and quality considerations apply to pharmaceutical applications.