Development of Biocatalytic Processes in Japan and Germany: From Research Synergies to Industrial Applications

Long tradition: Germany and Japan have long collaborated in the field of biocatalysis, driving industrial innovation in both countries. Biocatalysis first found its way into the chemicals industry by way of microbial processes. Further developments used isolated enzymes and tailor-made enzymes and cells for a range of processes that gave high conversion, optical purity, and space–time yield. Up to now, a broad range of industrialized biocatalytic processes have been developed in both countries (see scheme for selected products), which are summarized in this essay.