Lipases for biotechnology

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2002 Aug;13(4):390-7. doi: 10.1016/s0958-1669(02)00341-5.

Abstract

Lipases constitute the most important group of biocatalysts for biotechnological applications. The high-level production of microbial lipases requires not only the efficient overexpression of the corresponding genes but also a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing their folding and secretion. The optimisation of industrially relevant lipase properties can be achieved by directed evolution. Furthermore, novel biotechnological applications have been successfully established using lipases for the synthesis of biopolymers and biodiesel, the production of enantiopure pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and flavour compounds.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Agrochemicals / chemical synthesis
  • Bacteria / classification
  • Bacteria / genetics*
  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Biopolymers / biosynthesis
  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Biotechnology / trends*
  • Catalysis
  • Cosmetics / chemical synthesis
  • Directed Molecular Evolution / methods
  • Directed Molecular Evolution / trends
  • Flavoring Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Fossil Fuels
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
  • Lipase / biosynthesis*
  • Lipase / chemical synthesis
  • Lipase / chemistry*
  • Lipase / classification
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Chemical
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / chemical synthesis
  • Plant Oils / chemistry
  • Quality Control
  • Species Specificity
  • Technology, Pharmaceutical

Substances

  • Agrochemicals
  • Biopolymers
  • Cosmetics
  • Flavoring Agents
  • Fossil Fuels
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Plant Oils
  • Lipase