Catalyzing the future: recent advances in chemical synthesis using enzymes

Biocatalysis has the potential to address the need for more sustainable organic synthesis routes. Protein engineering can tune enzymes to perform in cascade reactions and for efficient synthesis of enantiomerically enriched compounds, using both natural and new-to-nature reaction pathways. This review highlights recent achievements in biocatalysis, especially the development of novel enzymatic syntheses to access versatile small molecule intermediates and complex biomolecules. Biocatalytic strategies for the degradation of persistent pollutants and approaches for biomass valorization are also discussed. The transition of chemical synthesis to a greener future will be accelerated by implementing enzymes and engineering them for high performance and new activities. •Engineered biocatalysts that access pharmaceutical products through more sustainable synthetic routes.•Novel biocatalysts that construct enantiomerically enriched small-molecule intermediates.•Complex biomolecules synthesized using enzymatic cascade reactions.•Biocatalytic degradation of persistent pollutants and valorization of biomass to afford valuable compounds.