reviewFEMS Microbiology ReviewsMar 1, 2002Closed access

Microbial carboxyl esterases: classification, properties and application in biocatalysis

UTUwe T. Bornscheuer

Universität Greifswald · Universitätsmedizin Greifswald

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefdoajpubmed

Abstract

Esterases (EC 3.1.1.x) represent a diverse group of hydrolases catalyzing the cleavage and formation of ester bonds and are widely distributed in animals, plants and microorganisms. Beside lipases, a considerable number of microbial carboxyl esterases have also been discovered and overexpressed. This review summarizes their properties and classification. Special emphasis is given on their application in organic synthesis for the resolution of racemates and prostereogenic compounds. In addition, recent results for altering their properties by directed evolution are presented.

Citation impact

898
total citations
FWCI
5.75
Percentile
100%
References
81
Citations per year

Authors

1

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Biocatalysis
  • Biology
  • Biotransformation
  • Microorganism
  • Cleavage (geology)
  • Enzyme
  • Biochemistry
  • Computational biology
No related works found for this paper.

Funding