Biocatalysis in Non-Conventional Media: Unlocking the Potential for Sustainable Chiral Amine Synthesis

The application of biocatalysis has become essential in both academic and industrial domains for the asymmetric synthesis of chiral amines, and it serves as an alternative tool to transition-metal catalysis and complements traditional chemical methods. It relies on the swift expansion of available processes, primarily as a result of advanced tools for enzyme discovery, combined with high-throughput laboratory evolution techniques for optimizing biocatalysts. This concept paper explores the utilization of non-conventional media such as ether-type solvents, deep eutectic solvents, and micellar catalysis to enhance biocatalytic reactions for chiral amine synthesis. Each section focuses on the unique properties of these media, including their ability to stabilize enzymes, alter substrate solubility, and modulate enzyme selectivity. The paper aims to provide insights into how these innovative media can overcome traditional limitations, offering new avenues for sustainable and efficient chiral amine production through biocatalytic processes. Replacing traditional aqueous reaction media with non-conventional solvents shows great potential for enhancing the sustainability of enzyme catalysis and addressing issues in large-scale production applications. This review highlights significant advancements in using non-conventional media, such as organic green solvents and Deep Eutectic Solvents, to produce chiral amines with high yields and enantiomeric excesses, as well as to enable chemo-enzymatic cascades. image