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Improving enzymes by using them in organic solvents

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  • Alexander M. Klibanov

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Abstract

The technological utility of enzymes can be enhanced greatly by using them in organic solvents rather than their natural aqueous reaction media. Studies over the past 15 years have revealed not only that this change in solvent is feasible, but also that in such seemingly hostile environments enzymes can catalyse reactions impossible in water, become more stable, and exhibit new behaviour such as 'molecular memory'. Of particular importance has been the discovery that enzymatic selectivity, including substrate, stereo-, regio- and chemoselectivity, can be markedly affected, and sometimes even inverted, by the solvent. Enzyme-catalysed reactions in organic solvents, and even in supercritical fluids and the gas phase, have found numerous potential applications, some of which are already commercialized.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander M. Klibanov, 2001. "Improving enzymes by using them in organic solvents," Nature, Nature, vol. 409(6817), pages 241-246, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:409:y:2001:i:6817:d:10.1038_35051719
    DOI: 10.1038/35051719
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    Cited by:

    1. Szczęsna Antczak, Mirosława & Kubiak, Aneta & Antczak, Tadeusz & Bielecki, Stanisław, 2009. "Enzymatic biodiesel synthesis – Key factors affecting efficiency of the process," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(5), pages 1185-1194.
    2. Quayson, Emmanuel & Amoah, Jerome & Hama, Shinji & Kondo, Akihiko & Ogino, Chiaki, 2020. "Immobilized lipases for biodiesel production: Current and future greening opportunities," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).

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