Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

Biocatalysis and biotransformation are powerful tools, allowing nature’s own catalysts to transform organic compounds with both efficiency and sustainability. Simply put, biocatalysis involves using enzymes or entire cells to catalyze chemical reactions, while biotransformation refers to modifying a compound into a more valuable or useful form. These natural processes are key to developing more ecological chemical production methods that align with green chemistry principles.

Biocatalysis and biotransformation are considered ideal alternatives to traditional, chemical-based processes, which often require high temperatures, toxic chemicals, or heavy metals. Enzymes enable reactions to occur under mild conditions, reducing energy inputs and waste production. Biocatalysis is thus well-suited to multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, food production, and biofuels. For instance, in pharmaceuticals, enzymes are used commercially to modify drug molecules precisely, resulting in products with fewer side effects and improved effectiveness.

Biotransformation is particularly useful for producing specific chemical compounds that are challenging to synthesize through conventional methods. Enzymes offer excellent selectivity, acting specifically on certain molecules to yield desired products. This specificity enables the production of complex chemicals, such as flavors, fragrances, and biodegradable plastics. Imagine an enzyme as a tiny worker that transforms raw materials into specialized products in a single step, saving time and resources while avoiding hazardous byproducts.

Advances in biotechnology now allow scientists to engineer enzymes for specific applications, enhancing the efficiency of biocatalysis and biotransformation. These enhancements may include improving enzyme stability, broadening its range of effective substrates, or increasing its activity. Such tailored enzymes are increasingly used to develop greener processes across various sectors, from agriculture to renewable energy production.

These processes will be featured in the Biocatalysis and Biotransformation session at the Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference, presenting cutting-edge research and real-world applications.