Biocatalysis

For a self-described “more sober” look at algae-based biofuels production, read this assessment in Biodiesel Magazine.

A good place to start is with definitions, to provide clarity about our subject.

Biocatalysis can be defined as the use of natural substances, which can be one or more enzymes or cells, living, dormant, or dead, to catalyze a chemical reaction or series of chemical reactions. Thus, biocatalysis includes the one-step enzymatic conversion of fumarate to aspartic acid (a component of the non-caloric sweetener aspartame), the two-step oxidation of ethanol to acetic acid (vinegar can be made this way), and the multi-step brewing of beer (quite likely the oldest example of biocatalysis, with historical records dating back 6000 years!).

A biocatalyst, then, is a natural substance, being an enzyme, cell, or a group of enzymes or cells catalyzing a chemical reaction or series of chemical reactions.

As we add content to this site, we will focus on the biocatalyst products available, their applications, their advantages, and the sources of those biocatalyst products, which may be both companies and academic institutions. We might even get opinionated!