Nitrilase: a promising biocatalyst in industrial applications for green chemistry

Nitrilases are widely distributed in nature and are able to hydrolyze nitriles into their corresponding carboxylic acids and ammonia. In industry, nitrilases have been used as green biocatalysts for the production of high value-added products. To date, biocatalysts are considered to be important alternatives to chemical catalysts due to increasing environmental problems and resource scarcity. This review provides an overview of recent advances of nitrilases in aspects of distribution, enzyme screening, molecular structure and catalytic mechanism, protein engineering, and their potential applications in industry.

Automated summary

Nitrilases are natural enzymes that can hydrolyze nitriles into carboxylic acids and ammonia. They have been utilized as green biocatalysts for the production of high value-added products in industry. This review highlights recent advancements in nitrilases including distribution, enzyme screening, molecular structure, catalytic mechanism, protein engineering, and industrial applications.