title: Lipases as practical biocatalysts.
abstract: Lipases are the most used enzymes in synthetic organic chemistry, catalyzing the hydrolysis of carboxylic acid esters in aqueous medium or the reverse reaction in organic solvents. Recent methodological advancements regarding practical factors affecting lipase activity and enantioselectivity are reviewed. Select practical examples concerning the use of lipases in the production of chiral intermediates are also highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470, Mülheim/Ruhr, Germany. reetz@mpi-muelheim.mpg.de
authors.forename: Manfred T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Reetz
mesh_terms: D002384:Catalysis; D019020:Directed Molecular Evolution; D008049:Lipase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D015202:Protein Engineering; D013237:Stereoisomerism
chemical_list: D009930:Organic Chemicals; D008049:Lipase