Large-scale applications of NAD(P)-dependent oxidoreductases: recent developments.

NAD(P)-dependent dehydrogenases are useful catalysts for the synthesis of chiral compounds. Many active and stable enzymes are available that (with high enantioselectivity) reduce ketones or keto acids to chiral alcohols, hydroxy acids or amino acids. For economic reasons, these reactions need coupling to the simultaneous regeneration of NAD(P)H. For preparative applications, three components have to be combined: an appropriate enzyme, an efficient coenzyme-regenerating step and a suitable reaction-engineering technique.