Enzymes in biotechnology: Critical platform technologies for bioprocess development

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Synthetic Biology
• Biochemical Engineering

Background:

• Enzymes are crucial for synthesizing bioproducts via biosynthetic pathways.
• Developing efficient bioprocesses requires strategies to optimize enzyme function and application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review fundamental strategies for bioprocess development.
• To highlight enzyme promiscuity, engineering, immobilization, and cell-free systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of enzyme promiscuity for novel catalytic activities.
• Application of protein engineering to improve enzyme performance.
• Utilization of enzyme immobilization for enhanced enzyme stability and reusability.
• Implementation of cell-free systems to overcome cellular limitations.

Main Results:

• Promiscuous enzymes offer new catalytic capabilities for expanded substrate ranges and product synthesis.
• Protein engineering refines enzyme activity and regulation for specific bioprocess needs.
• Enzyme immobilization enables extended enzyme use and overcomes cell toxicity issues.
• Cell-free systems provide an alternative for processes limited by cellular constraints.

Conclusions:

• Enzyme promiscuity, engineering, immobilization, and cell-free systems are powerful platforms for bioprocess development.
• These strategies collectively enhance the efficiency and scope of bioproduct synthesis.
• Optimized bioprocesses using these methods support innovation in biotechnology.