Biocatalysis in the Spotlight: Enzyme-Driven Asymmetric Synthesis for Precision Chemistry

Abstract

With the increasing requirement for sustainable and accurate chemical synthesis, biocatalysis has become a prominent approach in contemporary organic synthesis. Enzymes provide unparalleled stereoselectivity in ecologically friendly circumstances, facilitating the efficient synthesis of chiral compounds. Biocatalysis presents numerous advantages: Initially, reactions are generally conducted within a moderate temperature range (4-60 °C), resulting in a reduced energy requirement for the reactions. Enzymes exhibit stability under industrial circumstances and can be utilised for extended periods without necessitating replacement or supplementation. These parameters are critically significant for bulk chemicals, as energy consumption and catalyst dependability substantially affect the final product pricing. Biocatalytic processes can be conducted in an aqueous environment, minimising solvent usage and the associated disposal or recycling expenses. Majority of enzymes frequently lack optimal suitability for industrial applications due to constraints related to temperature, pH, solvent stability, substrate specificity and activity restrictions. To address these restrictions, researchers have been devising strategies to emulate evolutionary processes to enhance the features of enzymes as needed. This review analyses the essential function of biocatalysis in asymmetric synthesis, investigating enzyme classifications, catalytic mechanisms, industrial applications and new advancements in enzyme engineering. It emphasises present obstacles and prospective potential, encompassing co-factor regeneration, enzyme immobilisation and AI-driven design. As industrial use increases, biocatalysis is transforming green chemistry and facilitating the scalable, environmentally sustainable manufacture of high-value compounds.

Keywords:Asymmetric synthesis; Enzymes; Biocatalysis; Industrial synthesis; Enzyme engineering