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Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Enzymatic Cascade Reactions for the Synthesis of Chiral Amino Alcohols from L-lysine
Published on: February 16, 2018
Esterases as stereoselective biocatalysts
Diego Romano1, Francesco Bonomi1, Marcos Carlos de Mattos2
1Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DEFENS), University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy.
Non-lypolitic esterases, crucial carboxylester hydrolases, show promise as enantioselective biocatalysts. Advances in screening, recombinant production, structural insights, and protein engineering are driving the development of robust esterases.
Area of Science:
- Biocatalysis
- Enzyme Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Non-lypolitic esterases are carboxylester hydrolases.
- They selectively hydrolyze water-soluble esters with short-chain acyl residues.
- Their potential as enantioselective biocatalysts is gaining attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in esterase research.
- To discuss the development of enantioselective esterases.
- To highlight the impact of screening, recombinant production, structural biology, and protein engineering.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific contributions.
- Analysis of progresses in screening methodologies for esterases.
- Evaluation of recombinant esterase overproduction techniques.
- Examination of structural information for enantioselectivity.
- Assessment of protein engineering methods for esterase improvement.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in developing enantioselective esterases.
- Combined expertise in screening, production, structural analysis, and engineering enhances enzyme capabilities.
- New robust enantioselective esterases are emerging.
Conclusions:
- The synergy of various scientific disciplines is crucial for advancing esterase biocatalysis.
- Continued research in protein engineering and structural biology will yield more efficient and selective esterases.
- Esterases are becoming increasingly valuable tools in biocatalysis.
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