Non-Aqueous Biocatalysis in Heterogeneous Solvent Systems

Nadia Krieger¹*, Tej Bhatnagar², Jacques C. Baratti², Alessandra M. Baron¹, Valéria M. de Lima¹ and David Mitchell<sup>3

1</sup>Biocatalysis 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:           This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
                                               ++55 41 36 13 470
                                               ++55 41 36 13 186