With focus on the interdisciplinary nature of biocatalysis, the book contains many aspects of fundamental organic chemistry and some of inorganic chemistry as well, which should make it interesting not only for biochemistry but also for chemistry students. An important theme being emphasized in the book is that applied biocatalysis is one of the main prerequisites for a sustainable development.

The topics covered ranges from basic enzyme chemistry (biosynthesis, structure, properties, interaction forces, kinetics) to a detailed description of catalytic mechanisms. It covers the fundamentals of the different enzyme classes together with their applications in native and in immobilized state or in the form of whole cells in aqueous as well as non-conventional media. Topics such as catalytic antibodies, nucleic acid catalysts, non-ribosomal peptide synthesis, evolutionary methods, and the design of cells are also included.

Contents:

• Introduction to Biocatalysis
• The Impact of Biocatalysis on Teaching Natural Science
• The History of Biocatalysis — A Brief Overview
• Enzymes
• Classification of Enzymes: The Different Types of Catalyzed Reactions
• Kinetics
• Mechanisms in Enzymatic Catalysis
• Coenzymes — Non-Protein Groups in Biocatalysis
• Metalloenzymes
• Application of Isolated Enzymes and Whole Cells in Organic Synthesis
• Biocatalysis in Organic Synthesis
• How to Change and Improve the Properties of a Biocatalyst
• Immobilization of Enzymes and Cells — Introduction
• Reaction Media Other Than Water — Non-Conventional Media
• How to Change and Improve the Properties of a Biocatalyst
• Artificial Enzymes, Introduction
• Enzyme Models
• Biotransformations in Various Areas
• Biocatalytical Processes in Industry — A Selection
• Biocatalysis in the Field of Analytics
• Safety Aspects
• Outlook and Future Perspectives