Biocatalytic derivatization of proteinogenic amino acids for fine chemicals

Amino acids (AAs), which contain various functional groups including α-amino group, α-carboxyl group, and certain specific side-chains, exhibit a wide range of chemical properties. The derivatization of these functional groups of AAs via biocatalysis represents a sustainable approach for producing various chemicals, such as α-keto acids, α-hydroxyl acids, non-proteinogenic AAs, amines, peptides, higher alcohols, and phenylpropanoids, that are valuable in the pharmaceutical, chemical synthesis, cosmetic, and food industries. Here, we review recent advances in the derivatization of AAs to describe the design of derivatization reactions, how to overcome technical bottlenecks, and the potential range of chemicals that may be obtained. Furthermore, we highlight future prospects and address the challenges that remain in the derivatization of AAs for the production of fine chemicals.