Munishwar N. Gupta Boeken

One major concern of biotechnology is either using enzymes or producing them. Enzyme/protein production is therefore an important starting point for biotechnology. Bioseparation or Downstream Processing constitutes about 40-90% of the total production cost. Driven by economics, highly selective technologies applicable to large-scale processing have emerged during the last decade. These technologies are slowly diffusing to enzymologists who are working on a smaller scale, looking for fast and efficient purification protocols. The affinity-based techniques (including precipitation, two-phase extractions, expanded bed chromatography, perfusion chromatography and monoliths) described in this volume provide current and new cutting-edge methods. Consequently, the book is of main interest to researchers in biochemistry, biochemical engineering and biotechnology, working either in academic or industrial sectors.

Extending enzymatic catalysis into non-aqueous media has become a significant approach in biochemistry and biotechnology. Unlike conventional enzymology in aqueous buffers, understanding the parameters that influence enzyme behavior in non-aqueous environments has developed slowly. This lack of knowledge has made some researchers hesitant to adopt this method in their labs, hindering broader application. To promote the practice of non-aqueous enzymology, the availability of well-defined protocols for various enzyme applications is essential. This book provides such protocols, each accompanied by background material. The initial chapters cover general topics like controlling water activity and stabilization through immobilization. Subsequent chapters focus on specific transformations involving lipids, carbohydrates, peptide synthesis, and the preparation of chiral compounds. The emphasis on lipases is intentional, as this class of enzymes is frequently utilized in non-aqueous enzymology. By offering a structured approach to these protocols, the book aims to foster growth in this innovative area of research.