Enzymes in organic solvents: properties and applications

Although it is generally accepted that water is required for enzymatic catalysis, the minimum amount of water necessary to allow enzymes to function has been determined for very few enzymes. Recently several approaches have been used to investigate enzymatic behaviour in water-restricted environments. The approach which significantly alters enzyme properties is that based on the suspension of powdered enzymes in anhydrous organic solvents. In this review the authors will concentrate on this final approach which allows enzymes to exhibit some remarkable and novel properties compared to those in water.