Lipases for bio-based chemistry Efficient immobilised biocatalysts for competitive biocatalysed processes

Lipases have a wide industrial impact in the food, pharma and cosmetic sectors but there is an enormous catalytic potential waiting to be exploited for biomass transformations. In order to make biotransformations competitive for such bulk production, efficient biocatalysts at affordable costs are needed. Nowadays, the scientific knowledge on lipases structural and functional properties are so advanced that tailored solutions can be provided for formulating and immobilising lipases for specific applications. This objective can be achieved also with the contribution of computational and statistical methods that are able to manage the amazing complexity of the systems under study. However, this knowledge will translate into new and more efficient industrial biocatalysts only if firms have easier access to a wider array of fermented lipases, which must be also amenable to be immobilised under reproducible conditions. These biocatalysts will help to fill the gap between highly optimised "classical" chemical processes and innovative biotransformations.