Title:Protein Engineering Strategies for Tailoring the Physical and Catalytic
Properties of Enzymes for Defined Industrial Applications
Volume: 24
Issue: 2
Author(s): Rakesh Kumar, Arbind Kumar and Jagdeep Kaur*
Affiliation:
- Department of Biotechnology, Punjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
Keywords:
Protein engineering, biocatalyst, enzymes, directed evolution, rational design, catalysis.
Abstract:
Background: Highly evolved biocatalysts that can endure harsh environmental conditions
during industrial processes are highly desirable. The availability of suitable biocatalysts with high enzyme
activity, substrate selectivity, and stability could lower the production costs in the pharmaceutical,
chemical, and food industries, resulting in more economical products.
Objectives: Naturally evolved enzymes could not be exploited in industrial applications because of
their compromised properties. Till date, protein engineering strategies have helped us to improve the
desired physical and catalytic properties of enzymes to meet their performance needs in industrial and
medical applications.
Results: Protein engineering technologies such as directed evolution and rational designing are wellsuited
for improving biocatalytic properties. Each approach has its own set of limitations, and the implementation
of techniques is contingent on the availability of prerequisite information about the biocatalyst.
Protein structure information is essential for rational design, but no prior structural
knowledge is required for directed evolution. Furthermore, semi-rational approaches and enzyme designing
are also being used. Considering these facts, this study outlines the various molecular techniques
used to improve the physical and catalytic properties of enzymes. It also emphasises the magnitude
of strategies used to improve the properties of biocatalysts to meet the needs of industrial processes.
Conclusion: Protein engineering frequently employs for improving crucial enzyme characteristics. A
semi-rational approach has now emerged as the preferred technology for protein engineering. However,
adopting an engineering strategy to achieve the desired characteristic depends on the availability of
resources and subject-matter knowledge.