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The evolution of biotransformation technologies.
J S Dordick1, Y L Khmelnitsky, M V Sergeeva
1Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Division of Medicinal and Natural Products, Chemistry University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. dordick@icaen.uiowa.edu
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|March 6, 1999
Summary
Biotransformation, using enzymes and microbes, is advancing through exploring extreme environments and modifying metabolic pathways. New compound development is enhanced by combinatorial biosynthesis and biocatalysis.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Biocatalysis
- Metabolic Engineering
Background:
- Biotransformation is a rapidly expanding field within biotechnology.
- It encompasses both enzymatic and microbial biocatalysis.
- Significant research progress has been achieved in understanding biotransformation drivers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key advancements in biotransformation research.
- To highlight novel approaches in microbial and enzymatic biocatalysis.
- To discuss the development of new compounds through biotransformation.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of microbes and enzymes from extreme environments.
- Manipulation, alteration, and augmentation of metabolic pathways.
- Application of combinatorial biosynthesis and biocatalytic methodologies.
Main Results:
- Successful isolation of biocatalysts from diverse extreme environments.
- Demonstrated efficacy of metabolic pathway engineering for novel compound synthesis.
- Development of new compounds utilizing advanced biocatalytic techniques.
Conclusions:
- Extreme environments are valuable sources for novel biocatalysts.
- Metabolic engineering and combinatorial biosynthesis are powerful tools for biotransformation.
- Continued research promises significant expansion of biotransformation applications.