Multi-Enzyme Systems in Flow Chemistry

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in the use of biocatalysts in flow reactors. This merging combines the high selectivity and mild operation conditions typical of biocatalysis with enhanced mass transfer and resource efficiency associated to flow chemistry. Additionally, it provides a sound environment to emulate Nature by mimicking metabolic pathways in living cells and to produce goods through the systematic organization of enzymes towards efficient cascade reactions. Moreover, by enabling the combination of enzymes from different hosts, this approach paves the way for novel pathways. The present review aims to present recent developments within the scope of flow chemistry involving multi-enzymatic cascade reactions. The types of reactors used are briefly addressed. Immobilization methodologies and strategies for the application of the immobilized biocatalysts are presented and discussed. Key aspects related to the use of whole cells in flow chemistry are presented. The combination of chemocatalysis and biocatalysis is also addressed and relevant aspects are highlighted. Challenges faced in the transition from microscale to industrial scale are presented and discussed.

Microwave Radiation Influence on Dairy Waste Anaerobic Digestion in a Multi-Section Hybrid Anaerobic Reactor (M-SHAR)

“…Other researchers have also noted that immobilization improves enzyme stability in microwave fields [61,62]. A study by Cydzik-Kwiatkowska et al ( 2012) on the effect of microwaves on anaerobic biofilm found improved biodiversity after microwave exposure.…”

“…Nevertheless, immobilization was found to promote enzymatic transesterification of (R,S)-2-octanol and non-thermal effects of microwave radiation [60]. Other researchers have also noted that immobilization improves enzyme stability in microwave fields [61,62].…”

Streamlining Design, Engineering, and Applications of Enzymes for Sustainable Biocatalysis

“…163 Immobilization of single enzymes is now relatively routine and is applied in a wide range of commercial processes. 164 However, immobilization of multiple enzymes on a single material is unlikely to be optimal when using simple chemical bonds due to the varied chemistries of the support and the enzymes; 165 hence, more universal immobilization systems are sought. 166 To this end, alternative methods of enzyme immobilization have been developed using protein engineering, mostly affinity binding, and particularly through the creation of fusion proteins by combining surface binding regions and the enzyme of interest.…”

Organizing Multi-Enzyme Systems into Programmable Materials for Biocatalysis

“…Sequestration, encapsulation, protein-protein interactions, and surface attachments increase enzyme stability and activity, prevent degradation and increase reaction efficiency by creating local co-factor and substrate pools. Inspired by these mechanisms, new types of co-immobilization strategies are therefore increasingly developed that emphasize spatial organization via diverse scaffolding and compartmentalization approaches [18,[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29].…”