Biocatalytic process intensification via efficient biocatalyst immobilization, miniaturization, and process integration

Despite their sustainability, the potential of biocatalytic processes in industrial production is far from being realized. The main challenges in this field are the development of highly active, robust, and stable biocatalysts, the efficient regeneration of cofactors, and the prevention of biocatalyst deactivation under harsh industrial conditions. In addition to biocatalyst engineering, efficient enzyme and cell immobilization plays a crucial role in process feasibility. Reactor miniaturization, continuous operation, and integration with in situ product removal, process analytics, and cascade reactions that reduce the number of process steps enable process intensification. Mathematical model–based reactor and process design comprising time-scale analysis and efficient capacity increase can push the boundaries of biocatalytic processes toward industrial requirements. This review highlights the latest trends in efficient biocatalyst immobilization, miniaturization, and process integration to intensify biocatalytic processes.