Mechanistic and Engineering Approaches to Enhancing Biocatalyst Performance

Biocatalysts such as enzymes and whole-cell systems offer an alternative to traditional chemistry for the production of fine chemicals, active ingredients or bio-polymers. Despite the advantage of opening up new or alternative synthetic routes, its translation into industrial application is frequently constrained by low turnover numbers, limited substrate scope, poor stability, and sensitivity to reaction conditions. Overcoming these limitations requires a tightly coupled mechanistic‑engineering strategy, in which deep molecular and mechanistic understanding directs data‑driven approaches to enzyme or strain engineering. At the same time, process‑level innovations translate improved enzymes or cells into robust, scalable, and economically viable biocatalysts. We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to: Enzyme variant improvement:• Elucidation of the catalytic mechanism and associated optimization strategies• Design and engineer enzymes with enhanced activity, selectivity, thermostability, and solvent tolerance• Apply rational (re-)design and focused mutagenesis to optimize enzyme performance• Accelerate enzyme evolution through directed evolution and AI-driven designWhole-cell biocatalyst optimization:• Application and optimization of whole-cell biocatalysts• Pathway rewiring to enhance metabolic efficiency• Development of multi-step cascade reactions within cells• Enhance robustness of whole-cell systems under industrial conditionsIndustrial Application & Viability:• Ensure seamless integration with existing industrial processes• Improve economic feasibility for large-scale production• Accelerate translation from lab-scale research to industrial implementation Topic editors: Florian Tieves, Wuyuan Zhang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79090/mechanistic-and-engineering-approaches-to-enhancing-biocatalyst-performance