Microwave assisted enzymatic synthesis of speciality esters: A mini - review

Biocatalysis exhibits distinct improvement as compared to the chemical method of synthesis with respect to simplification of operating process, improvement in end product quality and minimization of by-product. However, long duration of synthesis, slow reaction rate and poor conversion limit the scope of biocatalysis in the industry. Currently there is also an increased demand for the use of green technology in chemical industry. Application of microwave irradiation to the biocatalytic synthesis can address the drawbacks of biocatalysis in the industry. Microwave energy creates rampant localized super heating which enhances the reaction rate and reduces the synthesis time significantly. The present mini review article gives a brief account on uses of microwave energy in enzyme processed synthesis of various speciality esters that find application in chemical industries. It briefly discusses various aspects like mechanism, instrumentation, process variables, enzyme stability, kinetics and scalability approach.