Bridging the World of Enzymes with Electric Fields

Abstract

Enzymes are essential proteins in all vital processes such as metabolism, gene expression, cell division, and immune system reactions, among others. They play a significant role in the industry due to their efficient way of catalyzing chemical reactions. The diversity of enzyme actions and applications is attributed to their varying substrate specificities and reaction types. In recent years, various researchers have focused their study proposals on electric fields as a biophysical factor capable of stimulating or inhibiting a biological or catalytic response, although the mechanisms of action are not yet fully resolved. Concurrently, this entails the responsibility to understand the role of the amino acid structure composing enzymes and that of electric fields, offering new insights into the versatility of phenomena associated with catalysis. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a foundational understanding that allows for the comprehension of these phenomena; by providing a perspective that reviews and relates fundamental concepts, with the aim of broadening the scope, we can achieve a better interpretation and more efficient study of this enzyme technology for future research with potential applications.