Exploitation of carbohydrate processing enzymes in biocatalysis

Tracey M. Gloster*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)180-188
Number of pages9
JournalCurrent Opinion in Chemical Biology
Volume55
Early online date20 Mar 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2020

Keywords

  • Biocatalysis
  • Biofuels
  • Biomass
  • Carbohydrate processing enzymes
  • Glycoside hydrolases
  • Glycosyltransferases
  • Glycosynthases
  • Plant cell wall

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