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Nomenclature and methodology for classification of nontraditional biocatalysis

Conference ·
OSTI ID:559873
;  [1];  [2]
  1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
  2. National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)
Enzymes are being used in nonaqueous environments. Because terminology associated with biocatalysis is easily misinterpreted, we have developed a vocabulary with definitions and symbols to simplify classification of bioprocessing. The approach distinguishes between systems depending upon the phase in which each of the critical reaction components (biocatalyst, reactant(s), product(s)) is present. Possible phases include aqueous (A), organic (O), vapor (V), and supercritical (Sc). A reaction scheme is classified with a three-character identifier, such as AAO (in which the enzyme and substrate are present in an aqueous phase, and the product is recovered from an organic phase). Special cases, such as when the biocatalyst is immobilized or hydrated are discussed. The vocabulary allows categorization of biocatalytic bioprocessing into two distinct classes: traditional (aqueous phase only) and nontraditional; the latter subdivides into nonaqueous, multi-phase aqueous, and supercritical biocatalysis. In conjunction with this terminology, a technology roadmap, was constructed.
OSTI ID:
559873
Report Number(s):
CONF-970443--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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