Cell-free enzyme cascades - application and transition from development to industrial implementation

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Industrial Microbiology
• Green Chemistry and Sustainable Processes

Background:

• The transition to a circular economy necessitates innovative strategies for carbon neutrality and resource preservation.
• Cell-free bioconversion presents significant technological, ecological, and ethical advantages over traditional methods.
• Current research focuses on reducing waste and repurposing industrial pollutants through enzymatic processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in cell-free enzymatic cascades for recycling greenhouse gases and industrial byproducts.
• To highlight cutting-edge technologies for scaling up these bioconversion processes from concept to industrial pilot plants.
• To address the economic challenges, including productivity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, for industrial implementation.

Main Methods:

• Review of proof-of-concept enzymatic cascades utilizing carbon dioxide and lignocellulose-derived feedstocks.
• Analysis of innovative cell-free systems designed for waste reduction and resource preservation.
• Examination of technologies enabling the transition of bioconversion concepts to industrial pilot scale.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated efficiency of cell-free systems in recycling greenhouse gases and C1 chemicals.
• Showcased potential for assimilating industrial pollutants back into the production cycle.
• Identified key technologies and strategies for maturing lab-scale concepts to industrial viability.

Conclusions:

• Cell-free bioconversion is a powerful strategy for achieving a circular economy and carbon negativity.
• Overcoming the challenge of industrial scale-up requires addressing economic factors like cost-effectiveness and productivity.
• Continued development of cutting-edge technologies is crucial for realizing the full industrial potential of these bioconversion processes.