Looking Back: A Short History of the Discovery of Enzymes and How They Became Powerful Chemical Tools

Christian M. Heckmann, Francesca Paradisi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

54 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Enzymatic approaches to challenges in chemical synthesis are increasingly popular and very attractive to industry given their green nature and high efficiency compared to traditional methods. In this historical review we highlight the developments across several fields that were necessary to create the modern field of biocatalysis, with enzyme engineering and directed evolution at its core. We exemplify the modular, incremental, and highly unpredictable nature of scientific discovery, driven by curiosity, and showcase the resulting examples of cutting-edge enzymatic applications in industry.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6082-6102
JournalChemCatChem
Volume12
Issue number24
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • enzymes
  • green chemistry
  • history of biocatalysis
  • immobilization
  • protein engineering

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