Back to the future: taking enzymes to the next level of sustainability

Abstract

The use of enzymes (protein catalysts from biological origin) has been key to the development of our society and daily life since the dawn of humanity. Nowadays, the better understanding of how enzymes work and their manipulation has enabled enzymes to become a crucial technology in the current biotechnological revolution. In this sense, while enzymes in their naturally occurring form are excellent biocatalysts, they are not yet broadly implemented in industry due to their instability and poor reusability. As a solution, enzyme immobilization is a strategy that enables the preparation of more resistant, reusable and more cost-efficient biocatalysts that, combined with continuous flow technologies, have the potential to make their promise true: transition towards more cost-efficient, sustainable, and environmental friendly chemical manufacturing.