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Bio-Inspired Catalytic Pathways in Green Chemistry: Recent Innovations in Waste Valorization Processes-A Review.

Avvaru Praveen Kumar¹, Ramamohana Reddy Maddike², Venkateswarlu V²

¹Department of Chemistry, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

Chemical Record (New York, N.Y.)

|June 21, 2026

Summary

Bio-inspired catalysis, using enzymes, mimics, microbes, and nano-bio systems, offers advanced waste valorization for a circular economy. These nature-based solutions transform waste into valuable products, promoting environmental restoration.

Keywords:

metal–organic frameworks biomimetic catalysts bio‐inspired catalysis covalent‐organic frameworks enzymatic catalysis green chemistry hybrid nano‐bio catalysts microbial pathways photocatalysis waste valorization

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Area of Science:

Catalysis and Green Chemistry
Biotechnology and Materials Science
Environmental Science and Engineering

Background:

Catalysis is crucial for waste management in the circular economy.
Nature-based, bio-inspired catalysis presents significant potential for waste valorization.
Recent advancements focus on integrating diverse catalytic systems for efficient waste stream utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

To review and critically analyze bio-inspired catalytic methods for waste valorization over the last five years.
To provide a unified framework for selecting catalytic platforms based on waste characteristics and desired products.
To evaluate the green chemistry performance of different bio-inspired catalytic systems.

Main Methods:

Enzymatic catalysis for degrading plastic and lignocellulosic waste under mild conditions.
Biomimetic catalysts (e.g., MOFs, nanozymes) enhancing enzymatic reactions and CO2 conversion.
Microbial systems and bioelectrochemical systems for converting waste into fuels, acids, bioplastics, and energy.
Hybrid nano-bio catalytic systems integrating enzymes with nanomaterials for improved stability and electron transfer.

Main Results:

Enzymes effectively degrade recalcitrant waste streams.
Biomimetic catalysts offer enhanced stability and expanded reaction scopes.
Microbial and bioelectrochemical systems enable efficient conversion of dilute feedstocks and waste-to-energy.
Hybrid systems demonstrate superior enzyme stability and electrochemical process enhancement.

Conclusions:

Bio-inspired catalytic systems offer a promising pathway for sustainable waste valorization and environmental restoration.
A comparative framework highlights complementary roles, trade-offs, and integration opportunities across different catalytic approaches.
Focusing on green chemistry principles is essential for advancing promising catalytic methods for waste management.