Design of biocatalysts for efficient catalytic processes

Biocatalysts based on immobilized enzymes received considerable attention due to important applications in syntheses of value-added chemicals, pharmaceuticals and drug intermediates with great catalytic efficiency and high yields of target molecules. The important advantages of such biocatalysts are enhanced stability in tolerant pH and temperature range, separation from reaction solutions, stability in repeated use, and so on. In this review, we discuss recent findings in biocatalyst design, in particular, types of promising supports, the biocatalyst surface modification, and incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles for facilitated magnetic recovery. Furthermore, we highlight the development of multienzyme and enzyme/nanoparticle catalysts for cascade reactions, which are carried out in a one-pot process and allow elimination of isolation and purification of intermediates.