Biocatalysis for pharmaceutical intermediates: the future is now
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 22, 2025

Scalable Step-by-Step Approach of Sustainable Bioplastic Production from Food Waste
Published on: July 18, 2025
David J Pollard1, John M Woodley
1Process Research, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck and Co, PO Box 2000, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA.
Abstract:
Biocatalysis is continuing to gain momentum and is now becoming a key component in the toolbox of the process chemist, with a place alongside chemocatalysis and chromatographic separations. The pharmaceutical industry demands a speed of development that must be on a parallel with conventional chemistry and high optical purity for complex compounds with multiple chiral centres. This review describes how these demands are being addressed to make biocatalysis successful, particularly by the use of micro-scale technology for high-speed catalyst screening and process development alongside discipline integration of biology and engineering with chemistry. Developments in recombinant technology will further expand the repertoire of biocatalysis in the coming years to new chemistries and enable catalyst design to fit the process. Further development of biocatalysis for green chemistry and high productivity processes can also be expected.
Related Concept Videos
Biosynthesis in Bacteria
Lipid Catabolism
Drug Biotransformation: Overview
Drug Biotransformation: Overview
Bioremediation
Phase I Reactions: Hydrolytic Reactions
An important hydrolytic reaction is ester hydrolysis. Ester bonds, often found in prodrugs, are broken down, increasing the solubility of drugs like aspirin and lidocaine for more straightforward elimination. Amide hydrolysis is another critical reaction, targeting amide bonds prevalent...

