Abstract

Let Biocatalysis Flow!

Martina Letizia Contente, Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, University of Milan

Today a lot of chemical commodities are produced using biocatalytic approaches, either by fermentation or enzyme-mediated synthesis. These goods range from food and beverage, cleaning products, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals [1–2] leading to the development of smart and efficient strategies for process optimization and large scale production. In this context flow biocatalysis represents an emerging technology which improves reaction productivity minimizing waste and energy consumption [3–4]. The integration of biocatalysts, both whole cells and cell-free enzymes, into continuous flow reactors usually involves immobilization techniques which not only enhance the catalyst stability but also enable its convenient isolation and reuse, thus improving the cost-efficiency of the process [5–6]. Mimicking cell pathways, ex-vivo artificial metabolic routes have been designed by sequentially connecting bioreactors filled with enzymes from different sources. Valuable molecules such as hydroxytyrosol, one of the most powerful antioxidants [7–8], dopamine, an important neurotransmitter [9], hesperetin and quercetin as natural bioactive aglycones, have been successfully prepared merging the versatility of flow reactors with the specificity of biocatalysts, finally contributing to advances in modern chemistry and the promotion of flow biocatalysis as a robust technique to address industrial needs.