Biocatalysis: From Discovery to Application

Catalytic procedures are an economical means to effect selective processes in organic synthesis. For the preparation of enantiomerically pure compounds, the utilization of enzymes is particularly attractive because of high selectivities and mild, environmentally benign reaction conditions. Taking advantage of advances in molecular biology, unique enzymes are readily accessible in quantity with properties that are amenable to modification on demand. This volume brings together contributors from the forefront of this technology. In their authoritative reviews, they cover the state-of-the-art of biocatalysis from the discovery of novel enzymes by modern screening, evolutionary or immunological approaches through immobilization techniques for technical processes, to their use in the asymmetric synthesis of important target compounds.