Industrial enzymes : an update

Enzymes are naturally occurring, protein-based molecules that catalyze the various chemical reactions with great specificity and rate enhancements (Binod et al., 2013; van Beilen and Li, 2002; Godfrey and West, 1996; Panke and Wubbolts, 2002; OECD, 1998; Adrio and Demain, 2014; Schafer et al., 2002; Schmid et al., 2002; Leisola et al., 2002; Gurung et al., 2013; Novozymes, 2011; Choi et al., 2015). These reactions are the basis of the metabolism of all living organisms, and provide tremendous opportunities for industry to carry out elegant, efficient and economical biocatalytic conversions (Kirk et al., 2002). Enzymes are true catalysts in that they are not consumed in the reaction, and each enzyme molecule can catalyze thousands of reactions per second. Enzymes are very specific to the reaction that they drive; each type of enzyme does one thing only which makes them especially effective tools for achieving specific results in the diverse processes. Enzyme- catalyzed processes are slowly replacing chemical processes in several areas of industry. Many chemical transformation processes used in various industries have inherent disadvantages from an environmental and commercial point of view. Nonspecific reactions may result in poor product yields. High temperatures and/or high pressures needed to drive reactions lead to high energy costs and may require large volumes of cooling water downstream. Harsh and hazardous processes involving high pressures, high temperatures, acidity, or alkalinity require high capital investment, and specially designed equipment and control systems. Unwanted byproducts may prove costly or difficult to dispose of. High consumption of chemicals and energy and also generation of harmful byproducts have a negative impact on the environment. In several cases, some or all of these drawbacks can be almost eliminated by using enzymes. Enzyme reactions may often be carried out under mild conditions, they are highly specific, and involve high reaction rates. Industrial enzymes originate from biological systems; they contribute to sustainable development through being isolated from microorganisms which are fermented using primarily renewable resources.