Creating protein biocatalysts as tools for future industrial applications.
BACKGROUND
Biocatalysts provide an economical and energy-efficient alternative to traditional chemical manufacturing processes. For processes where biocatalysts currently do not exist or existing protein catalysts function poorly, there is a tremendous need to discover new protein catalysts that function in industrial settings. The protein engineering community has traditionally relied on cell-based techniques in 96-well format to evolve new catalysts or improve existing enzymes.


OBJECTIVE
This review examines recent progress made in many display technologies, providing powerful alternatives for generating novel enzymes with altered specificity or altogether new types of function.


METHODS
Library creation methods and display technologies that are commonly used in conjunction with enzyme evolution are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude with an expert opinion on future trans-disciplinary approaches that combine directed evolution with computational design as novel platforms for rapidly discovering new types of catalytic function.
Chaput
John C
JC
Center for BioOptical Nanotechnology, The Biodesign Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-5201, USA. john.chaput@asu.edu
Woodbury
Neal W
NW
Stearns
Linda A
LA
Williams
Berea A R
BA
D002384:Catalysis; D019020:Directed Molecular Evolution; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000639:trends*; D011506:Proteins / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*
D011506:Proteins