This book gives an introduction to biotransformations, the practice of harnessing biological catalysts for the preparation of useful chemicals.

This second edition of a bestselling textbook offers an instructive and comprehensive overview of our current knowledge of biocatalysis and enzyme technology. The book now contains about 40% more printed content. Three chapters are completely new, while the others have been thoroughly updated, and a section with problems and solutions as well as new case studies have been added. Following an introduction to the history of enzyme applications, the text goes on to cover in depth enzyme mechanisms and kinetics, production, recovery, characterization and design by protein engineering. The authors treat a broad range of applications of soluble and immobilized biocatalysts, including wholecell systems, the use of non-aqueous reaction systems, applications in organic synthesis, bioreactor design and reaction engineering. Methods to estimate the sustainability, important internet resources and their evaluation, and legislation concerning the use of biocatalysts are also covered.

The whole range of biocatalysis, from a firm grounding in theoretical concepts to in-depth coverage of practical applications and future perspectives. The book not only covers reactions, products and processes with and from biological catalysts, but also the process of designing and improving such biocatalysts. One unique feature is that the fields of chemistry, biology and bioengineering receive equal attention, thus addressing practitioners and students from all three areas.

This reference book originates from the interdisciplinary research cooperation between academia and industry. In three distinct parts, latest results from basic research on stable enzymes are explained and brought into context with possible industrial applications. Downstream processing technology as well as biocatalytic and biotechnological production processes from global players display the enormous potential of biocatalysts. Application of "extreme" reaction conditions (i.e. unconventional, such as high temperature, pressure, and pH value) - biocatalysts are normally used within a well defined process window - leads to novel synthetic effects. Both novel enzyme systems and the synthetic routes in which they can be applied are made accessible to the reader. In addition, the complementary innovative process technology under unconventional conditions is highlighted by latest examples from biotech industry.

The concept of a circular economy relies on waste reduction, valorization, and recycling. Global trends for “green” synthesis of chemicals have positioned the field of enzyme technology and biocatalysis (multi-enzymes and whole-cells) as an alternative for the synthesis of more social- and environmentally-responsible bio-based chemicals. Recent advances in synthetic biology, computational tools, and metabolic engineering have supported the discovery of new enzymes and the rational design of whole-cell biocatalysts. In this book, we highlight these current advances in the field of biocatalysis, with special emphasis on novel enzymes and whole-cell biocatalysts for applications in several industrial biotechnological applications.

Implementing biocatalytic strategies in an industrial setting at a commercial scale is a challenging task, necessitating a balance between industrial need against economic viability. With invited contributions from small and large-scale chemical and pharmaceutical companies, this book bridges the gap between academia and industry. Contributors discuss current processes, types of biocatalysts and improvements, industrial motivation and key aspects to economically succeed. With its focus on industry related issues, this book will be a useful tool for future research by both practitioners and academics.

Describing the essential steps in the development of biocatalytic processes from concept to completion, this carefully integrated text combines the fundamentals of biocatalysis with technological experience and in-depth commercial case studies. The book starts with an introductory look at the history and present scope of biocatalysis and proceeds to detailed overviews of particular areas of interest. Written by industrial and academic experts, Applied Biocatalysis will be an important addition to the bookshelf for anyone teaching the subject or working in the chemical, food manufacturing or pharmaceutical industries, who is seeking to exploit the potential of biocatalysts.