Enzymatic and Chemoenzymatic Cascade Reactions

A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Biocatalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 1349

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
Interests: biochemistry; enzymes; biotransformation; biocatalysis; protein expression and purification; protein engineering; gc-ms

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
Interests: biochemistry; biocatalysis; biotransformation; protein expression and purification; protein engineering; high-throughput screening; fermentation technology; bioprocess optimization

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In this Special Issue, Enzymatic and Chemoenzymatic Cascade Reactions, we aim to present and discuss diverse strategies for integrating multiple enzymatic and chemo-enzymatic reactions, either in one-pot or sequential processes. We highlight case studies in pharmaceutical, fine chemical, and natural product synthesis, showcasing the versatility and industrial relevance of cascade reactions. Emphasis is placed on enzyme and reaction compatibility, synergistic interactions between enzymatic and chemical catalysts, and the optimization of reaction conditions—all aimed at maximizing yields and improving overall reaction economy. The integration of enzyme engineering further expands the scope of cascade reactions, offering a path toward more sustainable and economically viable manufacturing.

Dr. Marco Girhard
Dr. Florian Tieves
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • cascade reactions
  • chemo-enzymatic reactions
  • biocatalysis
  • biotransformation
  • multistep tandem reactions
  • one-pot synthesis
  • sustainable chemistry
  • reaction optimization
  • enzyme engineering
  • enzyme compatibility
  • organic synthesis
  • functionalization of small molecules

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

31 pages, 1703 KB  
Review
Enzymes as Catalysts in Industrial Biocatalysis: Advances in Engineering, Applications, and Sustainable Integration
by Mohd Farhan, Ibrahim W. Hasani, Doaa S. R. Khafaga, Waleed Mahmoud Ragab, Raisa Nazir Ahmed Kazi, Mohammad Aatif, Ghazala Muteeb and Yosri A. Fahim
Catalysts 2025, 15(9), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15090891 - 16 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1111
Abstract
Enzymes are highly selective and efficient biological catalysts that play a critical role in modern industrial biocatalysis. Their ability to operate under mild conditions and reduce environmental impact makes them ideal alternatives to conventional chemical catalysts. This review provides a comprehensive overview of [...] Read more.
Enzymes are highly selective and efficient biological catalysts that play a critical role in modern industrial biocatalysis. Their ability to operate under mild conditions and reduce environmental impact makes them ideal alternatives to conventional chemical catalysts. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advances in enzyme-based catalysis, focusing on enzyme classification, engineering strategies, and industrial applications. The six major enzyme classes—hydrolases, oxidoreductases, transferases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases—are discussed in the context of their catalytic roles across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, textiles, biofuels, and environmental remediation. Recent developments in protein engineering, including directed evolution, rational design, and computational modeling, have significantly enhanced enzyme performance, stability, and substrate specificity. Emerging tools such as machine learning and synthetic biology are accelerating the discovery and optimization of novel enzymes. Progress in enzyme immobilization techniques and reactor design has further improved process scalability, reusability, and operational robustness. Enzyme sourcing has expanded from traditional microbial and plant origins to extremophiles, metagenomic libraries, and recombinant systems. These advances support the integration of enzymes into green chemistry and circular economy frameworks. Despite challenges such as enzyme deactivation and cost barriers, innovative solutions continue to emerge. Enzymes are increasingly enabling cleaner, safer, and more efficient production pathways across industries, supporting the global shift toward sustainable and circular manufacturing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enzymatic and Chemoenzymatic Cascade Reactions)
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