Recent Advancements for Enhanced Biocatalyst and Biotransformation

Mol Biotechnol. 2026 Mar;68(3):1047-1067. doi: 10.1007/s12033-025-01422-8. Epub 2025 Apr 9.

Abstract

Enzymes are essential biological macromolecules with various biological and industrial applications. As modern applications of enzymes as biocatalysts are increasingly explored, the demand for enzymes with improved catalytic properties is also increasing exponentially. Since most commercially available enzymes have a problem with long-term stability and activity under various industrial conditions, the exploration of different environments using omics technology and biotransformation of these proteins to improve stability is being recognized. Direct evolution, structure-based rational design, or de novo synthesis methods are used for enzyme engineering and developing novel enzymes with unique catalytic activity and high stability. The review provides an overview of the different classes of industrially important enzymes, their sources, and the various enzyme engineering methods used to increase their efficiency. The importance of enzyme engineering concerning the development of other techniques in the field of molecular biology is also examined.

Keywords: De novo synthesis; Direct evolution; Enzyme engineering; Gene editing; Omics; Rational design.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biocatalysis
  • Biotechnology / methods
  • Biotransformation
  • Enzyme Stability
  • Enzymes* / chemistry
  • Enzymes* / genetics
  • Enzymes* / metabolism
  • Protein Engineering* / methods

Substances

  • Enzymes