ABSTRACT
References .......................................................................................................................... 672
Industrial biocatalysis is becoming a standard tool in the synthesis of fine chemicals [1,2].
Although a major number of industrially applied biotransformations is still catalyzed by
hydrolases (E.C. 3.x.x.x) [3], oxidoreductases (E.C. 1.x.x.x), and lyases (E.C. 4.x.x.x), become
more and more important. This chapter gives an overview of the application of lyases in
industrial processes, either as isolated enzymes or as immobilized enzymes, and by whole cell
biocatalysis. In contrast to hydrolases, which in general catalyze kinetic resolutions, lyases are
usually employed for asymmetric syntheses, enabling 100% conversion and 100% (enantio)
selectivity under ideal conditions [4].
