Review
Enzyme Catalysis for Sustainable Value Creation
Using Renewable Biobased Resources
Roland Wohlgemuth 1,2,3
1 MITR, Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology,
Zeromskiego Street 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
2 Swiss Coordination Committee Biotechnology (SKB), 8021 Zurich, Switzerland
3 European Society of Applied Biocatalysis (ESAB), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Abstract:
Enzyme catalysis has traditionally been used by various human cultures for creating value, longbefore its basic concepts have been uncovered, by preparing useful products through the transformation ofraw materials available from natural resources. Tremendous scientific and technological progress has beenaccumulated globally in understanding what constitutes an enzyme, what reactions enzymes can catalyze, andhow to search, develop, apply and improve enzymes to make desired products. The exquisite properties ofenzymes as nature's preferred catalysts, such as high selectivity, diversity and adaptability, enable theiroptimal work, whether in single reactions or in multiple reactions. Excellent opportunities for resource efficientmanufacturing of compounds needed are provided by the actions of enzymes working in reaction cascadesand pathways within the same reaction space, like molecular robots along a production line. Enzyme catalysisplays an increasing role for industrial innovation and responsible production in various areas, such as greenand sustainable chemistry, industrial or white biotechnology. Sources of inspiration can be currentmanufacturing or supply chain challenges, the treasure of natural enzymes or the opportunities of engineeringtailor-made enzymes. Making best use of the power of enzyme catalysis is essential for changing the way howcurrent products are manufactured, how renewable biobased resources can replace fossil-based resources, andhow the safety, health environment aspects of manufacturing processes can be improved towards cleaner andmore sustainable production.Keywords: biomanufacturing; biocatalysis; enzymes; industrial biotechnology; sustainable
chemistry; white biotechnology; green chemistry