Enzymatic Enantioselective Transesterification Reactions: A Pathway Through Biobased Alternatives

Abstract

The field of biocatalysis has blossomed exponentially over the past decades and revolutionized chemical synthesis, providing greener and sustainable methods for preparing numerous organic molecules at bench and industrial scales and in high stereoselective mode for the chiral ones. However, despite the tremendous progress, researchers still have room to contribute significantly to the field, especially in the valorization of agro-industrial waste to boost the circular (bio) economy. This review summarizes the use of lipases, the most versatile biocatalyst, in enantioselective transesterification reactions. The emphasis is on biobased materials involved in lipase-catalyzed enantioselective transesterification, such as agro-industrial waste for lipases production (isolation source and growth), the use of biobased solvents, renewable acyl donors and biobased materials for enzyme immobilization. We also discuss the perspectives of how to connect the high demand for more robust enzymes and the development of cost-effectiveness enantioselective methods, as well as the challenges to achieving a circular economy.