Mini-review: recent developments in hydroxynitrile lyases for industrial biotechnology

Recent Pat Biotechnol. 2013 Dec;7(3):197-206. doi: 10.2174/18722083113076660010.

Abstract

Hydroxynitrile lyases (HNLs) catalyze the cleavage as well as the formation of cyanohydrins. The latter reaction is valuable for the stereoselective C-C bond formation by condensation of HCN with carbonyl compounds. The resulting cyanohydrins serve as versatile building blocks for a broad range of chemical and enzymatic follow-up reactions. A significant number of (R)- and (S)-selective HNLs are known today and the number is still increasing. HNLs not only exhibit varying substrate scope but also differ in sequence and structure. Tailor-made enzymes for large-scale manufacturing of cyanohydrins with improved yield and enantiomeric excess are very interesting targets, which is reflected in a solid number of patents. This review will complement and extend our recent review with a strong focus on applications of HNLs for the synthesis of highly functionalized, chiral compounds with newest literature, recent and current patent literature.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aldehyde-Lyases / genetics
  • Aldehyde-Lyases / metabolism*
  • Biotechnology*
  • Catalysis
  • Nitriles / metabolism
  • Patents as Topic
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Nitriles
  • cyanohydrin
  • Aldehyde-Lyases
  • mandelonitrile lyase