Application of in situ product-removal techniques to biocatalytic processes

Biocatalytic processes for the manufacture of small, highly functionalized molecules frequently have limited productivity. A common reason for this is the presence of the reaction products that can cause inhibitory or toxic effects (making poor use of the enzyme) or promote unfavourable equilibria (giving low conversions). In each case, the product needs to be removed as soon as it is formed in order to overcome these constraints and hence increase the productivity of the biocatalytic process. Here, we review the need for in situ product removal and the process research required for its implementation.