Exploitation of carbohydrate processing enzymes in biocatalysis

• Published in: Current opinion in chemical biology 2020-04, Vol.55, p.180-188
• Main Author: Gloster, Tracey M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biocatalysis; Biofuels; Biomass; Carbohydrate processing enzymes; Carbohydrates - biosynthesis; Catalytic Domain; Cell Wall - metabolism; Cell Wall - ultrastructure; Enzymes - metabolism; Glucosyltransferases - metabolism; Glycoside hydrolases; Glycoside Hydrolases - metabolism; Glycosylation; Glycosyltransferases; Glycosyltransferases - metabolism; Glycosynthases; Plant cell wall; Plant Cells - metabolism; Protein Binding; Protein Conformation; Stereoisomerism
• ISSN: 1367-5931; 1879-0402
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.01.015

Exploitation of enzymes in biocatalytic processes provides scope both in the synthesis and degradation of molecules. Enzymes have power not only in their catalytic efficiency, but their chemoselectivity, regioselectivity, and stereoselectivity means the reactions they catalyze are precise and reproducible. Focusing on carbohydrate processing enzymes, this review covers advances in biocatalysis involving carbohydrates over the last 2–3 years. Given the notorious difficulties in the chemical synthesis of carbohydrates, the use of enzymes for synthesis has potential for significant impact in the future. The use of catabolic enzymes in the degradation of biomass, which can be exploited in the production of biofuels to provide a sustainable and greener source of energy, and the synthesis of molecules that have a range of applications including in the pharmaceutical and food industries will be explored.