Introduction to biocatalysis using enzymes and micro-organisms / Stanley M. Roberts [and others].

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

1. An historical introduction to biocatalysis using enzymes and micro-organisms -- 2. The interrelationships between enzymes and cells, with particular reference to whole-cell biotransformations using bacteria and fungi -- 3. Useful intermediates and end-products obtained from whole-cell. enzyme-catalysed hydrolysis and esterification reactions -- 4. Useful intermediates and end-products obtained from biocatalysed oxidation and reduction reactions -- 5. Useful intermediates and end-products obtained from biocatalysed carbon-carbon, carbon-oxygen, carbon-nitrogen and carbon-chalcogen bond-forming reactions -- 6. The application of biocatalysis to the manufacture of fine chemicals.

This is an introductory text intended to give the non-specialist a comprehensive insight into the science of biotransformations. The book traces the history of biotransformations, clearly spells out the pros and cons of conducting enzyme-mediated versus whole-cell bioconversions, and gives a variety of examples wherein the bio-reaction is a key element in a reaction sequence leading from cheap starting materials to valuable end-products (such as pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, fragrances and flavours). Biotransformations involving the hydrolysis of esters, amides and nitriles, the synthesis of esters and amides, reduction and oxidation reactions and carbon-carbon bond-forming systems are discussed. The book finishes with a discussion of some industrially important large-scale bioconversions.