129
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2017
S. Sugathan et al. (eds.), Bioresources and Bioprocess in Biotechnology,
DOI 10.1007/978-981-10-4284-3_5
S. Sudhakaran (*) • T.M. Archana
School of Chemical Science, Kannur University,
Payyanur Campus, Kannur 670 327, Kerala, India
e-mail: sudheeshatl@yahoo.co.uk
C.N. Aguilar
School of Chemical Sciences, Autonomous University of Coahuila,
Saltillo 25280, Coahuila, Mexico
5
Biotransformation Enzymes
Sudheesh Sudhakaran, T.M. Archana, and C.N. Aguilar
Abstract
Biocatalysis, which was an area of least concern during the past years, has now
a remarkable space in the field of chemistry. Biotransformation is the process
through which the functional groups of organic compounds are modified by living cells to a chemically different product. The process explores the specific
properties of biological catalysts, which include stereospecificity and region
specificity and their capability to withstand reactions at no extreme temperatures
and pH values. It may involve the use of plant cells, animal cells or microbial
cells or purified enzymes as catalysts to bring about specified transformations of
complex substrates. Biotransformation enzymes help to produce “nature-like”
biodegradable compounds, and are gaining importance in this aspect. This chapter focuses on biotransformation enzymes, which catalyse highly reactionspecific and stereo-specific reactions to synthesize compounds that cannot be
produced by chemical means. Moreover, these enzymes help meet the increasing
demand of society for eco-friendly compounds by producing the bulk of biodegradable ‘green’ products. This chapter discusses the recent advances and applications in biotransformation.
Keywords
Biotransformation • Enzymes • Biocatalysis • Natural products • Xenobiotics
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2017
S. Sugathan et al. (eds.), Bioresources and Bioprocess in Biotechnology,
DOI 10.1007/978-981-10-4284-3_5
S. Sudhakaran (*) • T.M. Archana
School of Chemical Science, Kannur University,
Payyanur Campus, Kannur 670 327, Kerala, India
e-mail: sudheeshatl@yahoo.co.uk
C.N. Aguilar
School of Chemical Sciences, Autonomous University of Coahuila,
Saltillo 25280, Coahuila, Mexico
5
Biotransformation Enzymes
Sudheesh Sudhakaran, T.M. Archana, and C.N. Aguilar
Abstract
Biocatalysis, which was an area of least concern during the past years, has now
a remarkable space in the field of chemistry. Biotransformation is the process
through which the functional groups of organic compounds are modified by living cells to a chemically different product. The process explores the specific
properties of biological catalysts, which include stereospecificity and region
specificity and their capability to withstand reactions at no extreme temperatures
and pH values. It may involve the use of plant cells, animal cells or microbial
cells or purified enzymes as catalysts to bring about specified transformations of
complex substrates. Biotransformation enzymes help to produce “nature-like”
biodegradable compounds, and are gaining importance in this aspect. This chapter focuses on biotransformation enzymes, which catalyse highly reactionspecific and stereo-specific reactions to synthesize compounds that cannot be
produced by chemical means. Moreover, these enzymes help meet the increasing
demand of society for eco-friendly compounds by producing the bulk of biodegradable ‘green’ products. This chapter discusses the recent advances and applications in biotransformation.
Keywords
Biotransformation • Enzymes • Biocatalysis • Natural products • Xenobiotics