Oxidase enzymes as sustainable oxidation catalysts

Abstract

Oxidation is one of the most important processes used by the chemical industry. However, many of the methods that are used pose significant sustainability and environmental issues. Biocatalytic oxidation offers an alternative to these methods, with a now significant enzymatic oxidation toolbox on offer to chemists. Oxidases are one of these options, and as they only depend on molecular oxygen as a terminal oxidant offer perfect atom economy alongside the selectivity benefits afforded by enzymes. This review will focus on examples of oxidase biocatalysts that have been used for the sustainable production of important molecules and highlight some important processes that have been significantly improved through the use of oxidases. It will also consider emerging classes of oxidases, and how they might fit in a future biorefinery approach for the sustainable production of important chemicals.

Oxidase-like Nanozyme Activity of Manganese Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets for Colorimetric and Fluorescence Sensing of l-Cysteine

“…The oxidase activity of Mn-UMOF proceeds through the reduction of molecular O 2 to form O 2 •– and O 2 2– . , The detailed mechanism of oxygen activation and oxidation of l -cys by Mn-UMOF is shown in Figure and Scheme , respectively. The single electron reduction of O 2 produces O 2 •– and two-electron reduction generates O 2 2– with the oxidation of Mn 2+ to Mn 3+ (steps i and ii, Scheme ).…”

“…. 19,61 The detailed mechanism of oxygen activation and oxidation of L-cys by Mn-UMOF is shown in Figure 4 and Scheme 2, respectively. The single electron reduction of O 2 produces O 2…”

The Evolution and Evolvability of Photosystem II

“…For example, the tremendous oxidative power of PSII could be harnessed for biocatalysis beyond water oxidation, to drive complex energy-demanding multi-step oxidative chemical transformations, powered by light. There is an urgent need to transition to a greener and more sustainable chemical production (145; 155) because many reactions often involve energyintensive processes with toxic by-products (138). In contrast, enzymatic biocatalysis can operate under mild conditions with greater regio-, stereo-and enantioselectivity, and therefore has drawn much attention in recent decades as a more sustainable alternative to conventional synthesis processes (45; 116).…”

Cross-linking the peroxidase: from potato peel valorization to colored effluents treatment

“…Today, potato peel can be used as a biofertilizer, as a substrate for microbial growth, as an adsorbent, for extraction of antioxidants and/or enzymes [3], [4]. Enzymes, as biocatalysts are replacing the conventional chemical catalysts due to their eco-friendliness, and the ability to catalyze reactions under mild conditions [5]. However, the time-consuming downstream process of enzyme production and the cost of high purity enzymes make them not so readily to use.…”