Enzyme Catalysis for Sustainable Value Creation Using Renewable Biobased Resources

Enzyme catalysis was traditionally used by various human cultures to create value long before its basic concepts were uncovered. This was achieved by transforming the raw materials available from natural resources into useful products. Tremendous scientific and technological progress has been made globally in understanding what constitutes an enzyme; what reactions enzymes can catalyze; and how to search, develop, apply, and improve enzymes to make desired products. The useful properties of enzymes as nature’s preferred catalysts, such as their high selectivity, diversity, and adaptability, enable their optimal function, whether in single or multiple reactions. Excellent opportunities for the resource-efficient manufacturing of compounds are provided by the actions of enzymes working in reaction cascades and pathways within the same reaction space, like molecular robots along a production line. Enzyme catalysis plays an increasingly prominent role in industrial innovation and responsible production in various areas, such as green and sustainable chemistry and industrial or white biotechnology. Sources of inspiration include current manufacturing or supply chain challenges, the treasure of natural enzymes, and opportunities to engineer tailor-made enzymes. Making the best use of the power of enzyme catalysis is essential for changing how current products are manufactured; how renewable biobased resources can replace fossil-based resources; and improving the safety, health, and environmental aspects of manufacturing processes to support cleaner and more sustainable production.