Enzyme Catalysis: Innovations and Applications in Sustainable Chemistry

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 914

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Interests: enzymatic catalysis; high-value-added nutritional chemicals; nutritional food preparation; food component detection; food contaminants detection; food additives detection; enzyme; biosensor
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to explore the latest innovations and applications of enzyme catalysis in the field of sustainable chemistry. Enzymes, as nature's catalysts, offer unique advantages such as high selectivity, mild reaction conditions, and environmental friendliness, making them ideal candidates for addressing the challenges of sustainable chemical production.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Innovative Enzyme Engineering Techniques: Discuss recent advancements in enzyme engineering, including protein engineering, directed evolution, and immobilization technologies, that enhance the stability, activity, and reusability of enzymes for industrial applications.
  • Green Chemical Synthesis Using Enzymes: Present case studies showcasing the use of enzymes in the synthesis of chemicals, materials, and fuels with reduced environmental impact compared to traditional chemical processes.
  • Biocatalysis in Sustainable Manufacturing: Highlight the integration of enzyme-based biocatalysis in sustainable manufacturing processes, emphasizing its role in reducing waste, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Enzyme Catalysis in Pharmaceutical and Fine Chemical Production: Examine the application of enzymes in the production of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, focusing on improved yield, purity, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Environmental and Biotechnological Perspectives: Discuss the environmental implications and biotechnological advancements related to enzyme catalysis, including the development of new enzymes for bioremediation and bioconversion processes.
  • Enzyme Catalysis stands as a cornerstone in the realm of chemistry, not merely confined to the preparation of essential chemicals but also shining brightly as a biosensor in the detection of components, contaminants, and additives. Its versatility and precision make it an indispensable tool in the chemistry

Objectives: To showcase the latest research advancements in enzyme catalysis for sustainable chemistry, to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among researchers in the field, and to promote the development and implementation of enzyme-based technologies for sustainable chemical production.

Target Audience: Researchers and academics in the fields of biochemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, and sustainable chemistry. Industry professionals interested in adopting sustainable manufacturing practices. Policy makers and stakeholders in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Prof. Dr. Bin Zou
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • enzymatic catalysis
  • high-value-added chemicals
  • chemicals preparation
  • component detection
  • contaminants detection
  • immobilized enzyme
  • enzyme biosensor

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

17 pages, 1876 KiB  
Review
Advancements in the Esterification of Phytosterols Catalyzed by Immobilized Lipase
by Yuyang Zhang, Yan Yan, Zhiyuan Lin, Fanzhuo Kong, Xing Ni, Xue Zhang, Yani Zhao, Qiongya Lu and Bin Zou
Catalysts 2025, 15(3), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15030225 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 624
Abstract
Phytosterol exhibits cholesterol-lowering, cardiovascular-protecting, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer efficacies but has low bioavailability due to its high melting point and poor solubility. Esterification with fatty acids enhances liposolubility, improving absorption and utilization fivefold. Industrial production of phytosterol esters mainly relies on chemical synthesis, which [...] Read more.
Phytosterol exhibits cholesterol-lowering, cardiovascular-protecting, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer efficacies but has low bioavailability due to its high melting point and poor solubility. Esterification with fatty acids enhances liposolubility, improving absorption and utilization fivefold. Industrial production of phytosterol esters mainly relies on chemical synthesis, which faces challenges in separation, purification, and quality assurance due to side reactions. Enzymatic synthesis, featuring mild conditions, environmental friendliness, and high selectivity, has gained attention from academia and industry. Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) is widely utilized due to its high efficiency in catalyzing the esterification of phytosterol. Natural lipases are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and pH and are difficult to reuse in continuous cycles; however, certain immobilization techniques can improve their catalytic activity and stability. Furthermore, the application of immobilized lipases in the synthesis of phytosterol esters can be combined with ultrasonic treatment to enhance the efficiency of enzymatic catalysis. This paper reviews the research progress on the catalytic esterification of phytosterol by immobilized lipases, highlighting the current challenges and future research directions, thereby fostering further advancements in the field of preparing phytosterol esters through immobilized lipase catalysis. Full article
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