Open AccessOxidase enzymes as sustainable oxidation catalysts
Author(s) -
Alice J. C. Wahart,
Jessica Staniland,
Gavin J. Miller,
Sebastian C. Cosgrove
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
royal society open science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.84
H-Index - 51
ISSN - 2054-5703
DOI - 10.1098/rsos.211572
Subject(s) - biochemical engineering , biorefinery , sustainability , toolbox , chemistry , sustainable production , production (economics) , computer science , business , combinatorial chemistry , biochemistry , organic chemistry , biology , engineering , economics , ecology , raw material , macroeconomics , programming language
Oxidation is one of the most important processes used by the chemical industry. However, many of the methods that are used pose significant sustainability and environmental issues. Biocatalytic oxidation offers an alternative to these methods, with a now significant enzymatic oxidation toolbox on offer to chemists. Oxidases are one of these options, and as they only depend on molecular oxygen as a terminal oxidant offer perfect atom economy alongside the selectivity benefits afforded by enzymes. This review will focus on examples of oxidase biocatalysts that have been used for the sustainable production of important molecules and highlight some important processes that have been significantly improved through the use of oxidases. It will also consider emerging classes of oxidases, and how they might fit in a future biorefinery approach for the sustainable production of important chemicals.