Next-Generation Biocatalysis in Organic Synthesis: Cascades and Hybrid Catalysis for High-Value Molecules

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to showcase how next-generation biocatalysis is reshaping modern organic synthesis through strategies that combine high selectivity, step economy, and synthetic practicality. Over the last decade, advances in enzyme discovery, protein engineering, and reaction engineering have expanded the scope of biocatalytic transformations well beyond classical kinetic resolutions, enabling efficient access to stereochemically rich products and difficult bond constructions. In parallel, growing interest in multi-step cascades and hybrid catalytic platforms—where biocatalysis is integrated with organocatalysis, metal catalysis, photochemistry, or electrochemistry—has opened new opportunities to streamline synthesis, improve sustainability metrics, and unlock reactivity that is challenging for any single catalytic mode alone. The Special Issue, “Next-Generation Biocatalysis in Organic Synthesis: Cascades and Hybrid Catalysis for High-Value Molecules,” invites contributions that advance the design and implementation of enzymatic and chemoenzymatic cascades, one-pot/telescoped routes, and integrated hybrid systems for pharmaceuticals and advanced intermediates, fine chemicals, fragrances, and other high-value targets. We welcome original research and authoritative reviews covering enabling technologies such as cofactor regeneration, enzyme immobilization and stabilization, non-conventional reaction media, high substrate loading, mechanistic insights, and enzyme engineering. Submissions that demonstrate clear advantages in selectivity, robustness, productivity, scalability, or sustainability, as well as studies bridging discovery to process-relevant application, are particularly encouraged.

Dr. Rodrigo Octávio Mendonça Alves de Souza
Guest Editor

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