POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS OF NAD(P)-DEPENDENT OXIDOREDUCTASES IN SYNTHESIS - A SURVEY

The applications of NAD(P)-dependent oxidoreductases for very selectiv e synthesis processes are reviewed. Numerous fields are concerned: the production of chiral compounds (amino acids, hydroxy acids,...); alco hol, aldehyde, and ketone modifications; steroid functionalization; ca rbon dioxide transformation; and even some curative systems for enviro nmental problems. The systems are presented in terms of productivity, product purity, and efficiency of cofactor regeneration. The performan ces of the various reactor types used are discussed. In most of these systems, electron Seed or extraction was achieved by adding another su bstrate as electron donor or acceptor. Although electrochemistry could afford a better way for monitoring all these reactions, it has been v ery rarely used until now; nevertheless, some examples of electroenzym atic synthesis exist and are highlighted in particular. (C) 1997 by El sevier Science Inc.