biotransformacij

Biotransformation refers to the biochemical modification of chemical compounds by living organisms or their enzymes. This process is fundamental to many biological systems, including metabolism, detoxification, and the synthesis of various organic molecules. In essence, it's a biological catalyst converting one chemical substance into another.

Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, are widely employed for biotransformation in industrial and research settings due to their diverse enzymatic capabilities. Plants and animals also perform biotransformations as part of their natural physiological processes. Enzymes, which are the biological catalysts responsible for these reactions, can be isolated and used independently or within whole cells.

The applications of biotransformation are extensive. In the pharmaceutical industry, it's used for the synthesis of complex drug molecules, often with high stereo- and regioselectivity, which can be difficult to achieve through traditional chemical synthesis. It plays a crucial role in drug metabolism, where the body transforms administered drugs into more or less active metabolites, affecting their efficacy and duration of action. Biotransformation is also utilized in the food industry for processes like fermentation and in environmental remediation for breaking down pollutants. The study and application of biotransformation are key areas within biotechnology and biochemistry.