Biocatalysis

Biocatalysis is a core technology within biochemical and bioprocess engineering that utilizes natural catalysts, primarily enzymes or whole microbial cells, to perform specific chemical transformations. By harnessing the remarkable efficiency and high selectivity of these biological agents, engineers design sustainable processes that operate under mild conditions, minimizing energy consumption and unwanted byproducts. This approach offers a powerful "green chemistry" alternative to conventional synthesis and is fundamental to the industrial production of a wide range of valuable products, including pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, biofuels, and food ingredients.

1. Introduction to Biocatalysis
   1. Fundamental Concepts
      1. Definition of Biocatalysis
      2. Biocatalysts vs Chemical Catalysts
      3. Biological vs Synthetic Catalysis
      4. Scope and Applications
   2. Historical Development
      1. Ancient Fermentation Processes
      2. Early Industrial Enzyme Use
      3. Discovery of Enzyme Structure
      4. Modern Biotechnology Era
      5. Key Milestones and Breakthroughs
   3. Green Chemistry and Sustainability
      1. Principles of Green Chemistry
      2. Environmental Benefits
      3. Atom Economy
      4. Waste Reduction
      5. Energy Efficiency
   4. Advantages of Biocatalysis
      1. High Selectivity
         1. Chemoselectivity
         2. Regioselectivity
         3. Enantioselectivity
      2. Mild Reaction Conditions
      3. Biodegradability
      4. Renewable Resources
      5. Reduced Environmental Impact
   5. Limitations and Challenges
      1. Stability Issues
      2. Narrow Substrate Range
      3. Cofactor Requirements
      4. Cost Considerations
      5. Scale-Up Challenges