Enzymes in biotechnology: Critical platform technologies for bioprocess development. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Katsimpouras, Constantinos; Stephanopoulos, Gregory
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in biotechnology. Volume 69(2021)
• Page Start: 91
• Page End: 102
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.12.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-1669

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Enzymes are core elements of metabolic engineering and biotechnology. Enzymatic promiscuity allows development of novel biosynthetic pathways. Protein engineering improves enzyme activity and regulation to unlock enzyme potential for new bioprocesses. Cell-free systems can circumvent limitations of whole-cell microbial biosynthesis. Enzyme immobilization extends the use of enzymes and confers bioprocess robustness. Abstract : Enzymes are core elements of biosynthetic pathways employed in the synthesis of numerous bioproducts. Here, we review enzyme promiscuity, enzyme engineering, enzyme immobilization, and cell-free systems as fundamental strategies of bioprocess development. Initially, promiscuous enzymes are the first candidates in the quest for new activities to power new, artificial, or bypass pathways that expand substrate range and catalyze the production of new products. If the activity or regulation of available enzymes is unsuitable for a process, protein engineering can be applied to improve them to the required level. When cell toxicity and low productivity cannot be engineered away, cell-free systems are an attractive option, especially in combination with enzyme immobilization that allows extended enzyme use. Overall, the above methods support powerful platforms for bioprocess development and optimization.