Across the Board: Pablo Domínguez de María on the Biocatalytic Synthesis of Esters and Amides in Aqueous Media

Abstract

In this series of articles, the board members of ChemSusChem discuss recent research articles that they consider of exceptional quality and importance for sustainability. This entry features Dr. P. Domínguez de María, who introduces the biocatalytic synthesis of esters and amides in aqueous media by means of some acyltransferases that seem to proceed against Le Chatelier's principle. Continuous processes with immobilized forms of these enzymes enable the efficient production of aroma esters and important amides (e. g., melatonin) in aqueous solutions and using natural substrates with limited environmental impact.

Keywords: acyltransferase; amides; biocatalysis; esters; sustainability.