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Epoxide Hydrolases: Multipotential Biocatalysts
Marek Bučko1, Katarína Kaniaková2, Helena Hronská2
1Department of Glycobiotechnology, Institute of Chemistry, Center for Glycomics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 38 Bratislava, Slovakia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 28, 2023
Summary
Epoxide hydrolases are versatile biocatalysts for creating chiral building blocks. Recent advances in discovery, engineering, and immobilization enhance their industrial applications in synthesizing valuable compounds.
Area of Science:
- Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering
- Organic Synthesis and Green Chemistry
Background:
- Epoxide hydrolases (EHs) are crucial industrial biocatalysts.
- They enable enantioselective hydrolysis of epoxides into chiral diols.
- These diols are key intermediates for pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state and future potential of epoxide hydrolases as biocatalysts.
- To highlight recent advancements in enzyme discovery, engineering, and application.
Main Methods:
- Genome mining and enzyme metagenomics for discovering novel epoxide hydrolases.
- Directed evolution and rational design for enhancing enzyme activity, selectivity, and stability.
- Immobilization techniques for improving operational stability, reusability, and storage.
- Exploration of enzyme cascade reactions for expanded synthetic utility.
Main Results:
- Identification of new epoxide hydrolases through advanced mining techniques.
- Significant improvements in enzyme performance metrics like activity, enantioselectivity, and thermostability.
- Enhanced enzyme stability and reusability via effective immobilization strategies.
- Demonstration of epoxide hydrolases in novel enzyme cascade reactions.
Conclusions:
- Epoxide hydrolases offer significant potential for sustainable and efficient chemical synthesis.
- Continued innovation in enzyme discovery and engineering will broaden their industrial applicability.
- Immobilization and cascade reactions are key strategies for maximizing biocatalyst performance.
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