Bioorganic Synthesis Engineering

Biological processes, from the simplest to the most complex, can broadly be classified as those caused by the catalytic action of living entities known as microorganisms or microbes, and those promoted and catalyzed by “lifeless substances” produced by microorganisms, known as enzymes. The two together are often referred to as biocatalysts. The microbial kingdom of living entities consists of all living things with a very simple biological organization. Both microbes and enzymes can be used to promote or selectively achieve a wide range of chemical transformations. Indeed, biocatalysts occupy a unique position in the wide spectrum of catalysts used in organic technology and synthesis. One of the chief beneficiaries of the rising emphasis on environmentally friendly processes is the enzyme, for it is being increasingly pressed into service to generate technologies that are both highly selective and pollution free. As catalysts, enzymes accelerate the rates of reactions at milder conditions, are highly selective, are biodegradable, and can be used in “free” solution form or as immobilized heterogeneous catalysts. The last feature, their use in immobilized form, has been a major factor in the movement of the enzyme from laboratory to industry. Two main shortcomings of the conventional enzyme that have limited its application in organic synthesis are its restriction to reactions in the aqueous phase and to very mild temperatures and pressures. Research in the last few years has “released” the enzyme from these restrictions (see Govardhan and Margolin, 1995; Adams et al., 1995). Thus now it is possible to use enzymes in aqueous solutions containing water-miscible organic cosolvents, aqueous organic biphasic mixtures, and anhydrous organic solvents. Research has also uncovered microorganisms from a variety of unconventional habitats such as the biosphere and the depths of the oceans that have the unique ability to accomplish chemical transformations at extreme conditions covering a wide range of temperatures, pressures, and salt concentrations. Hence it seems almost certain that enzymes will play an increasingly important role in industrial organic synthesis.