Looking Back: A Short History of the Discovery of Enzymes and How They Became Powerful Chemical Tools
Christian M. Heckmann, Francesca Paradisi
Abstract
Enzymatic approaches to challenges in chemical synthesis are increasingly popular and very attractive to industry given their green nature and high efficiency compared to traditional methods. In this historical review we highlight the developments across several fields that were necessary to create the modern field of biocatalysis, with enzyme engineering and directed evolution at its core. We exemplify the modular, incremental, and highly unpredictable nature of scientific discovery, driven by curiosity, and showcase the resulting examples of cutting-edge enzymatic applications in industry.
Topics & Concepts
CuriosityModular designBiochemical engineeringField (mathematics)BiocatalysisNanotechnologyScientific discoveryComputer scienceData scienceManagement scienceEngineering ethicsChemistryEngineeringBiologyMaterials scienceCognitive sciencePsychologyOrganic chemistryMathematicsOperating systemNeurosciencePure mathematicsIonic liquidCatalysisEnzyme Catalysis and ImmobilizationMicrobial Metabolic Engineering and BioproductionPhotosynthetic Processes and Mechanisms