Biotransformations

Abstract

Selective conversions of natural and/or synthetic substrates into useful products using whole cells or isolated enzymes have been gaining increase relevance among the methods at industrial scale. Enzymatic activity is often characterized due to its high chemo-, regio- and stereo-selectivity, which are very useful for synthesis of fine chemicals and intermediary molecular blocks. However, the success of a biotransformation at industrial scale depends upon a series of factors such as availability and low cost of the biocatalyst, efficient product recovery processes, competitive costs compared to conventional methods, environmental compatibility, and non-pathogenicity of the biological systems. This chapter highlights general aspects of biocatalysis, recent findings and new strategies about modes of using enzymes and fluids in the biotransformation field.