Industrial and Environmental Applications of Carbonic Anhydrases

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are highly efficient metalloenzymes catalyzing the reversible conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into bicarbonate (HCO₃^-) and protons (H⁺). Over the past decades, CAs have been employed across diverse industrial and environmental applications, including carbon management and CO₂ capture, chemical synthesis, biomineralization, water treatment, and renewable energy generation. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of CA-based technologies, emphasizing their transition from laboratory research to pilot- and industrial-scale applications. Key topics covered include enzyme-assisted CO₂ absorption, reactor and solvent design, enzyme immobilization, and hybrid systems integrating chemical, biological, or electrochemical conversion. The chapter also examines operational challenges, mitigation strategies, and future perspectives, highlighting how CAs can enable sustainable, low-energy, and value-added processes. It illustrates the integration of mechanistic insights, process design, and real-world examples, providing a valuable resource for both researchers and industrial practitioners.