Cascades of Evolved Enzymes for the Synthesis of Complex Molecules

Thanks to advances in enzyme discovery and protein engineering combined with the development of enzymatic multistep reaction cascades, new efficient routes for drug synthesis have been created that are superior to chemical syntheses. This supports the goal of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries to move to more sustainable and environmentally friendly processes. Recently described outstanding examples include the biocatalytic cascade syntheses of the cyclic dinucleotide MK-1454, molnupiravir, and islatravir, as well as the efficient fixation of CO2 to make starch using an artificial enzyme cascade.

Automated summary

Thanks to advancements in enzyme discovery and protein engineering, as well as the development of enzymatic multistep reaction cascades, more efficient routes for drug synthesis have been created that surpass chemical syntheses. This progress aligns with the objective of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly processes. Prominent examples include the biocatalytic cascade syntheses of cyclic dinucleotides MK-1454, molnupiravir, and islatravir, and the effective conversion of CO2 into starch using an artificial enzyme cascade.