Non-Aqueous Biocatalysis in Heterogeneous Solvent Systems
Nadia Krieger1*, Tej Bhatnagar2, Jacques C. Baratti2, Alessandra M. Baron1, Valéria M. de Lima1 and David Mitchell3
1Biocatalysis and Enzyme Technology Laboratory, Applied Chemistry Research Centre (CEPESQ), Chemistry Department, Federal University of Parana (UFPR), PO Box 19081, Centro Politécnico, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba 81531-990, Paraná, Brazil
2Biocatalysis and Fine Chemistry Group, Université de la Mediterranée, Faculté des Sciences de Luminy, CNRS ERS, 157, Marseille, France
3Fermentation and Enzyme Technology Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, PO Box 19046, Centro Politécnico, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba 81531-990, Paraná, Brazil
Article history:
Received September 15, 2004
Accepted November 22, 2004
Key words:
biocatalysis, non-conventional media, reverse micelles, supercritical fluids, ionic liquids
Summary:
Biocatalysis has become a useful alternative to chemical transformations for the production of a range of compounds with applications in the food, feed, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. However, it is not necessarily an easy task to obtain the desired levels of performance in terms of rate, yield and selectivity of the reaction. One strategy for optimizing biocatalyst performance is to use non-conventional media, such as non-aqueous heterogeneous systems. In this article, we highlight some of the current trends in biocatalysis in such systems, focusing on reverse micelles, supercritical fluids and ionic liquids.
*Corresponding author: 
nkrieger@ufpr.br
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