Abstract
The synthesis and degradation of biopolymers are cardinal reactions that take place to maintain homeostasis in biosystems. Fundamental biological reactions can be reproduced in vitro by means of enzyme-mediated processes. Recently, bioprocesses have been extensively adopted to synthesize representative biopolymers, including aliphatic polyesters, e.g., polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). In particular, the protein engineering of enzymes involved in PHA synthesis has made a great impact on the tailor-made synthesis of polymer materials with high performance. Biopolymers can also be synthesized in vitro by enzyme-catalyzed polymerization using synthetic enzymes and depolymerase-mediated reverse reactions. We will describe these advanced topics from the viewpoint of the boundary field between chemistry and biotechnology.
Keywords: Biopolymer, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), PHA synthase, enzyme evolution, PHB depolymerase, lipase
Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry
Title: Enzyme-catalyzed Synthesis and Degradation of Biopolymers
Volume: 6 Issue: 1
Author(s): Tomohiro Hiraishi and Seiichi Taguchi
Affiliation:
Keywords: Biopolymer, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), PHA synthase, enzyme evolution, PHB depolymerase, lipase
Abstract: The synthesis and degradation of biopolymers are cardinal reactions that take place to maintain homeostasis in biosystems. Fundamental biological reactions can be reproduced in vitro by means of enzyme-mediated processes. Recently, bioprocesses have been extensively adopted to synthesize representative biopolymers, including aliphatic polyesters, e.g., polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). In particular, the protein engineering of enzymes involved in PHA synthesis has made a great impact on the tailor-made synthesis of polymer materials with high performance. Biopolymers can also be synthesized in vitro by enzyme-catalyzed polymerization using synthetic enzymes and depolymerase-mediated reverse reactions. We will describe these advanced topics from the viewpoint of the boundary field between chemistry and biotechnology.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Hiraishi Tomohiro and Taguchi Seiichi, Enzyme-catalyzed Synthesis and Degradation of Biopolymers, Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry 2009; 6 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157019309787316139
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157019309787316139 |
Print ISSN 1570-193X |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-6298 |

- Author Guidelines
- Bentham Author Support Services (BASS)
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers