Introduction to Biocatalysis Using Enzymes and Microorganisms

By Stanley M. Roberts, Andrew J. Willetts, Nicholas J. Turner, et al.

Book Overview

This is an introductory text intended to give the newcomer to this area a comprehensive insight into the science of biotransformations. The book traces the history of biotransformations, clearly spells out the pros and cons of conducting enzyme-mediated versus whole-cell bioconversions, and gives a variety of examples wherein the bio-reaction is a key element in a reaction sequence leading from cheap starting materials to valuable end-products (such as pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, fragrances and flavors). The authors cover biotransformations involving the hydrolysis of esters, amides and nitriles, the synthesis of esters and amides, reduction and oxidation reactions and carbon-carbon bond-forming systems. The book finishes with a discussion of some industrially important large-scale bioconversions. The text will be suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals in the areas of biochemistry, organic chemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, and industrial chemistry.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521436850
• ISBN13: 9780521436854
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

One of the best on introductory biocatalysis

This title is one of the best introductory books on biocatalysis covering both enzymes and micro-organisms. It is most useful as a textbook for chemists to enter this fascinating field and add one more piece in their toolbox. It can also serve as a practical source book with references, appendixes and lots of detailed experimental considerations. It is less useful for biologists who are not familiar with chemistry. It starts with an excellent review of the historical aspects and the significant contributors to this field. It points out "biotechnology existed at the interface among organic chemistry, biochemistry and chemical engineering". It stated that the early contributors were essentially chemist-and-biologist 2-in-1. It also describes the inevitable trend that "the organic chemist would eventually find biological catalysis unfamiliar ground" while the biochemist would equally become unfamiliar with organic synthesis. Chemists however should not be intimidated. From my own experience, it can be a quick success if you work with a knowledgeable mentor for a few days. Although it takes long to acquire the background knowledge of microbiology, it is possible for an organic chemist to learn the necessary microbial cell-handling practices in a relatively short period of time. That is all it takes to use biocatalysis in your work. The next chapter covers the interrelationships between enzymes and cells for the purpose of biotransformation. It provides the following: a comparison of these two, number of commercially available enzymes in 1990, practical experimental methods of using whole-cell biotransformations, immobilization methods, cell-handling techniques and useful culture collections. Many tips were mentioned for achieving higher catalysis power. The book follows with three main classes of biotransformations: hydrolysis & ester / amide formation (straight-forward, widely used in steoreochemistry), redox reactions (an area with some complexity, mostly done with whole cells) and C-X bond formation reactions (X = C, O, N, S, halogen, emphasis on carbohydrate and nucleotide chemistry). The book concluded with the exciting application of biocatalysis to the manufacture of fine chemicals: steroids, amino acids, antibiotics, isoglucose, nucleic acids, peptides, carbohydrates, polyesters, etc. It also touches on genetic engineering of proteins and metabolic pathways. This display of industrial applications should remove the myths and doubts of biocatalysis from many a chemist. There are big catalog-size handbooks available on biocatalysis. Considering the size, cost, coverage and details, the reviewer would rate this book a five-star, along with two other outstanding titles by Faber and Wong & Whitesides.

An excellent intro to chemistry's future.

Although this book is, by the standards of technical progress these days, "old," it remains flawless in describing not only what was known then, but what remains the bulk of biocatalytic theory and practice now. Since this synthetic approach has already demonstrated itself to be a cornerstone of so many industries (particularly the pharmaceutical industry) -- and since so many people don't know much about it and yet *fear* it, an understanding such as this book gives could not be more important to everyone -- especially scientists.The author of this book succeeded in scoring a bullseye on a fast-moving target! Anyone interested in the chemistry of the future -- the chemistry that *already* is essential for perhaps most of our latest drugs should get this book.One final kudo for this book: it's price is reasonable! Compare it to similar books on technical subjects. This kind of thing usually costs three or four times what this one does.This book is the most accessible, informative book on a subject that has so far eluded other authors if they meant to speak to anyone but their peers.Get it. You will not be sorry.