Fungal Extremozymes: A Potential Bioresource for Green Chemistry

Abstract

<p>Green chemistry is a rapidly evolving area that aims to reduce the hazards released to the environment during various chemical processes and improve the ef!ciency of bioconversion. Application of green chemistry could therefore lead to less environmental pollution and better economic outcomes. Enzymes, as biocatalysts, are expected to play a central role in green chemistry owing to their reusability, catalytic ef!ciency, and speci!city. Besides, biocatalytic reactions result in no toxic waste in contrast to chemical processes that require careful disposal. However, the use of enzymes in chemical reactions presents<br>various challenges, including stability and unwanted side-reactions. Fungi have drawn signi!cant attention in recent years as a new source of enzymes that could be used in harsh conditions to improve various industrial processes, such as biofuel production and biomass conversion. Combined with modern bioengineering techniques, fungal extremozymes have emerged as promising tools in future applications. Also, structural information has provided new insights into the function and stability of various fungal extremozymes. This review is focused on latest progress in fungal extremozymes, in particular their structural features as well as the current research efforts to improve their properties for better use in<br>green chemistry applications.</p>