Improving the ‘tool box’ for robust industrial enzymes

Abstract

The speed of sequencing of microbial genomes and metagenomes is providing an ever increasing resource for the identification of new robust biocatalysts with industrial applications for many different aspects of industrial biotechnology. Using ‘natures catalysts’ provides a sustainable approach to chemical synthesis of fine chemicals, general chemicals such as surfactants and new consumer-based materials such as biodegradable plastics. This provides a sustainable and ‘green chemistry’ route to chemical synthesis which generates no toxic waste and is environmentally friendly. In addition, enzymes can play important roles in other applications such as carbon dioxide capture, breakdown of food and other waste streams to provide a route to the concept of a ‘circular economy’ where nothing is wasted. The use of improved bioinformatic approaches and the development of new rapid enzyme activity screening methodology can provide an endless resource for new robust industrial biocatalysts.This mini-review will discuss several recent case studies where industrial enzymes of ‘high priority’ have been identified and characterised. It will highlight specific hydrolase enzymes and recent case studies which have been carried out within our group in Exeter.

Biotransformation of β‐hydroxypyruvate and glycolaldehyde to l‐erythrulose by Pichia pastoris strain GS115 overexpressing native transketolase

“…Such biological routes typically involve the application of enzymes in the place of chemical catalysis, for “biocatalysis” to produce the final compound, over one or more steps. One advantage of enzymes is their promiscuity with respect to the molecules they engage with as substrates, which can enable a given enzyme to be used for a broad range of chemistries . Enzymes can also provide exquisite regio‐, chemo‐, and stereo‐selectivity for the synthetic steps they catalyze.…”

“…One advantage of enzymes is their promiscuity with respect to the molecules they engage with as substrates, which can enable a given enzyme to be used for a broad range of chemistries. 4 Enzymes can also provide exquisite regio-, chemo-, and stereo-selectivity for the synthetic steps they catalyze.…”

Development of an antibiotic marker-free platform for heterologous protein production in Streptomyces

“…Presently, approximately 90% of industrial enzymes are recombinant versions produced in bacteria and fungi [ 5 ], and their use is expected to increase due to a growing need for sustainable solutions. Moreover, the discovery of new enzymes to add to the currently available toolbox and the development of optimized strategies for the production of these hydrolytic enzymes is a central goal of many industrial sectors [ 6 ].…”

Maximizing Stability in Industrial Enzymes: Rational Design Approach – A Review

“…The speed of sequencing of microbial genomes and metagenomes is providing an ever increasing resource for the identification of new robust biocatalysts with industrial applications for many different aspects of industrial biotechnology [1]. Enzymes are biological molecules that increase the rates of chemical reactions.…”

“…Many hydrolase enzymes including proteases, lipases, esterases and cellulases are already used commercially in industrial biocatalysis as documented in recent review chapters [2] [3]. The enzyme biocatalysts required for industrial processes need to withstand conditions that they are not usually exposed to within their natural environments (cited in [1]). However, enzymes found in nature have been exploited in industries due to their inherent catalytic properties in complex chemical processes, under mild experimental and environmental conditions [4].…”