Oxidase enzymes as sustainable oxidation catalysts

Oxidation is one of the most important processes used by the chemical industry. However, many of the methods that are used pose significant sustainability and environmental issues. Biocatalytic oxidation offers an alternative to these methods, with a now significant enzymatic oxidation toolbox on offer to chemists. Oxidases are one of these options, and as they only depend on molecular oxygen as a terminal oxidant offer perfect atom economy alongside the selectivity benefits afforded by enzymes. This review will focus on examples of oxidase biocatalysts that have been used for the sustainable production of important molecules and highlight some important processes that have been significantly improved through the use of oxidases. It will also consider emerging classes of oxidases, and how they might fit in a future biorefinery approach for the sustainable production of important chemicals.

Automated summary

Oxidation is a vital process in the chemical industry, but many existing methods have sustainability and environmental issues. Biocatalytic oxidation offers an alternative solution, with enzyme oxidases providing efficient atom economy and selectivity benefits. This review focuses on the application of oxidase biocatalysts in sustainable production of important molecules and discusses the future direction of biorefinery in producing important chemicals.