Scientific Sessions

Enzymatic catalysis involves the acceleration of chemical reactions through the action of enzymes highly specific biological catalysts. These proteins function under mild conditions of temperature, pressure, and pH, making them environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemical catalysts. Enzymes are often employed in the pharmaceutical, food, and biofuel industries due to their selectivity, efficiency, and ability to carry out reactions that are otherwise challenging to achieve synthetically. Their stereospecific nature enables the production of enantiomerically pure compounds, which is especially valuable in drug synthesis. Furthermore, advances in protein engineering and directed evolution have broadened the substrate range and stability of enzymes, expanding their applicability in industrial processes.

Chemoenzymatic catalysis, on the other hand, combines both chemical and enzymatic steps in a single reaction sequence or cascade. This hybrid approach allows for the advantages of both methods harnessing the precision and mild reaction conditions of enzymes with the broader reactivity and robustness of chemical catalysts. Chemoenzymatic strategies are especially powerful in the synthesis of complex natural products, carbohydrates, and pharmaceuticals, enabling streamlined routes with fewer steps and higher yields. This synergy often leads to cost-effective and sustainable processes with reduced waste generation. As green chemistry continues to gain importance, chemoenzymatic catalysis stands out as a promising avenue for innovative, efficient, and eco-conscious synthesis across diverse scientific fields.