About this Research Topic
The search of novel biocatalytic methods is a continuously growing area of chemistry and microbiology, and novel microorganisms and/or their enzymes are being screened intensively. Until recently, chemical development companies regarded biocatalysis as a method to be attempted only when all other chemical options failed. Currently, there are clear signs that this view is changing radically, with many of the new process developments revealing the benefits to be gained by using biocatalysis on a commercial scale.
The marine ecosystem covers about 70% of the earth's surface and is extraordinarily rich in biological diversity. Marine and marine-derived microorganisms make up more than 90% of the sea biomass. The extent of marine microbial diversity has not been clearly established, but it is estimated that more than 90% of species remain undiscovered. The harsh physical and chemical conditions of the ocean have favored the production of unique bioactive compounds.
Thus, enzymatic transformations carried out by enzymes or whole cell microorganisms are used for the production of a wide variety of high-added value materials. Biocatalysts allow for performing a number of chemical reactions with high regio- and stereoselectivity and a large number of biocatalyzed industrial processes have already been established.
In organic synthesis, biotransformations are thus becoming accepted as a method for generating optically pure compounds as well as for developing efficient routes to target compounds. Some chemical transformations that cannot be performed through traditional synthetic methods are readily obtained using the biocatalysis approach in ecofriendly reactions.
Marine bacteria and fungi have proven to be in some cases efficient in altering the structure of natural and synthetic molecules and producing a wide range of novel biomolecules with potential industrial application. These microorganisms could be the source of new enzymes, even for activities not previously discovered.
The aim of this Research Topic is to collect original research or review articles focused on the application of biocatalysts (whole microbial cells or their isolated enzymes) from marine environments. Contributions reporting the preparation of natural or synthetic compounds or their precursors (useful in the pharma, chemical and agro-food industry), as well as the synthesis of biomaterials and biofuels are welcomed.
The marine ecosystem covers about 70% of the earth's surface and is extraordinarily rich in biological diversity. Marine and marine-derived microorganisms make up more than 90% of the sea biomass. The extent of marine microbial diversity has not been clearly established, but it is estimated that more than 90% of species remain undiscovered. The harsh physical and chemical conditions of the ocean have favored the production of unique bioactive compounds.
Thus, enzymatic transformations carried out by enzymes or whole cell microorganisms are used for the production of a wide variety of high-added value materials. Biocatalysts allow for performing a number of chemical reactions with high regio- and stereoselectivity and a large number of biocatalyzed industrial processes have already been established.
In organic synthesis, biotransformations are thus becoming accepted as a method for generating optically pure compounds as well as for developing efficient routes to target compounds. Some chemical transformations that cannot be performed through traditional synthetic methods are readily obtained using the biocatalysis approach in ecofriendly reactions.
Marine bacteria and fungi have proven to be in some cases efficient in altering the structure of natural and synthetic molecules and producing a wide range of novel biomolecules with potential industrial application. These microorganisms could be the source of new enzymes, even for activities not previously discovered.
The aim of this Research Topic is to collect original research or review articles focused on the application of biocatalysts (whole microbial cells or their isolated enzymes) from marine environments. Contributions reporting the preparation of natural or synthetic compounds or their precursors (useful in the pharma, chemical and agro-food industry), as well as the synthesis of biomaterials and biofuels are welcomed.
Keywords: Biotransformation, biocatalyst, marine microorganism, enzyme, stereoselective synthesis
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