Biocatalytic Cascade Reactions (in vivo and in vitro)

Dear Colleagues,

The discovery of novel enzymes and their customization by protein engineering techniques is rapidly expanding the toolbox of biocatalysts available for the synthesis of value-added chemicals—both natural and non-natural compounds. Enzymes with their inherently high chemo-, regio-, and stereo-specificities can efficiently operate in vitro and in vivo. In the last two decades, the combination of multiple biocatalysts in (artificial) cascades has yielded awe-inspiring complex molecules from rather simple precursors, while the design and optimization of such cascade reactions has addressed social and environmental concerns including the stewardship of resources and the reduction of waste.

The topic of this Special Issue encompasses cascades employing (engineered) enzymes that operate simultaneously in one pot—either a reaction tube or a living cell—or in a sequential fashion in vitro, in vivo, or in hybrid systems. Enzymes may be applied in isolated form, immobilized, as cell-free extracts, as whole-cell biocatalysts, as well as in combination with metal- and organo-catalysts or in entirely unprecedented forms.

The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight current developments in the fields of biocatalysis and cascade design and to grasp emerging trends that will facilitate the manufacturing of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and highly demanded ingredients of the future … already today!

Dr. Sandy Schmidt
Dr. Thomas Bayer
Guest Editors

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