Materials Science World Congress

Biocatalysis refers to the use of natural catalysts, mostly enzymes, for catalyzing chemical transformations in a variety of biological processes. This new approach is a foundation of green chemistry because it is based on sustainability and efficiency in the manufacture of chemicals. Biocatalysis represents the main share of industrial applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, biofuels, and food industry.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of the biocatalytic process is that it operates under conditions that are relatively mild in terms of low temperature and close to neutral pH, as opposed to most processes that require harsh, environment-unfriendly conditions and noxious reagents. An even more significant feature of enzymes is their specificity, which serves to concentrate the reaction onto a particular substrate, thereby yielding fewer byproducts and, thus, less waste.

In pharmaceutical industries, biocatalysis has played a very critical role in the synthesis of complex molecules hence producing APIs with greater selectivity and fewer side effects. Thus, drugs with strict regulatory requirements can be produced based on engineered enzymes that could make these enzymes more active and specific.

The third area in which biocatalysis is used is in the field of biofuel. Here, it catalyzes the conversion of biomass into renewable energy, like biodiesel and ethanol. Biocatalysts catalyze a greener future by maximizing yields and efficiency through optimization of metabolic pathways in such processes.

The application of biocatalysis is also seen in food industries. Enzymes enhance the flavors and texture as well as longer shelf lives in biocatalytic reactions. Diversity and effectiveness in biocatalysis are driving work in research and development to develop new solutions across industries.