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The search for the ideal biocatalyst

Nature Biotechnology volume 20, pages 37–45 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

While the use of enzymes as biocatalysts to assist in the industrial manufacture of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals has enormous potential, application is frequently limited by evolution-led catalyst traits. The advent of designer biocatalysts, produced by informed selection and mutation through recombinant DNA technology, enables production of process-compatible enzymes. However, to fully realize the potential of designer enzymes in industrial applications, it will be necessary to tailor catalyst properties so that they are optimal not only for a given reaction but also in the context of the industrial process in which the enzyme is applied.

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Figure 1: The paradigm shift?

© Bob Crimi

Figure 2: Contributions to the design of the ideal biotransformation process.

© Bob Crimi

Figure 3: Temperature/activity profiles for caseinolytic activities of extracellular proteases from different thermal sources.
Figure 4: Moving around in sequence space.

© Bob Crimi

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Article 24 June 2021

Elizabeth L. Bell, William Finnigan, … Sabine L. Flitsch

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support for their research from the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the South African National Research Foundation.

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  1. Don A Cowan

    Present address: Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

    Stephanie G Burton

  2. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University College London, Gower St., London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom

    Don A Cowan

  3. Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom

    John M Woodley

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Correspondence to Don A Cowan.

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Burton, S., Cowan, D. & Woodley, J. The search for the ideal biocatalyst. Nat Biotechnol 20, 37–45 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0102-37

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