ABSTRACT
Dept. of Biotechnology, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, S-221 00 Lund, Sweden
Telephone: +46 46 2224842; Fax: +46462224713; Email: Patrick.Adlercreutz@biotek.lu.se
ABSTRACT The scope and limitations of biocatalysis in non-conventional media are described. First, different kinds of non-conventional reaction media, such as organic solvents, supercritical fluids, gaseous media and solvent-free systems, are treated. Second, enzyme preparations suitable for use in these media are described. In several cases the enzyme is present as a solid phase but there are methods to solubilise enzymes in non-conventional media, as well. Third, important reaction parameters for biocatalysis in non-conventional media are discussed. The water content is of large importance in all non-conventional systems. The effects of the reaction medium on enzyme activity, stability and on reaction yield are described. Finally, a few applications are briefly presented.
