Applied Biocatalysis in Europe: A Sustainable Tool for Improving Life Quality

Dear Colleagues,

Applied Biocatalysis and Biotransformation, that is, the use of enzymes and whole-cell systems in manufacturing processes for synthetic purposes, has been experiencing a clear boom in recent years, which has led to the start of the so-called “fourth wave”. In fact, the latest advances in bioinformatics, system biology, process intensification, and, in particular, enzyme-directed evolution (encouraged by the 2018 Nobel Prize awarded to F. Arnold) are widening the range of the efficacy of biocatalysts and accelerating the rate at which new enzymes are becoming available, even for activities not previously known. Moreover, xenobiology, the insertion of non-canonical amino acids into protein sequences, is creating fascinating new possibilities for the preparation of biocatalysts with improved properties.

Traditionally, European scientists have been very actively involved in different aspects of Applied Biocatalysis. This Special Issue aims to gather contributions from European research groups, in the form of either original research articles or up-to-date reviews, to exemplify recent advances in this area. This includes, but is not restricted to, the discovery of new enzymatic activities, the chemical or genetic modification of known biocatalysts for further application in the development of commodities and fine chemicals, and the implementation of biocatalyzed protocols using enzymes (in any stage) and cells to increase the sustainability of synthetic procedures.

Prof. Andres R Alcantara
Prof. Francisco J. Plou
Guest Editors

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