Biocatalysis and Bioactive Molecules: Future and Development

Biocatalysis has increasingly been used for synthesising compounds to make manufacturing processes greener and more sustainable. In addition, different industry sectors either already use or show increasing interest in molecules obtained via bioprocesses because they are products with high added value and are recognised as natural. Bioactive molecules produced biocatalytically can improve the quality of life, having beneficial impacts on the health of the human body in the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases, and are environmentally friendly. However, improving existing techniques and developing new methodologies are necessary to increase their synthesis. Furthermore, studies of strategies to reduce economic impacts have received attention, such as the search for new enzymes, new supports for enzyme immobilisation, biocatalysts reuse, reactor configuration, process optimisation and use of alternative substrates, mainly agro-industrial waste, and these must be evaluated. This research topic encourages article publication related to enzyme production and immobilisation and enzymatic synthesis, mainly through valuing renewable resources, with an interest in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food industries. Herewith, the development and trends of biocatalysis for active biomolecules producing industrial interest are highlighted.