Expanding the role of biocatalysis in green chemistry: Lessons from the past, directions for the future

Biocatalysis has grown from a niche research topic into an important tool for greener chemical processes. Enzymes offer high selectivity and can work under mild conditions, making them attractive for sustainable synthesis. However, the overall sustainability of biocatalysis does not depend only on the catalyst itself, but on how it is integrated into efficient and scalable processes. This perspective looks back at key lessons from the development of biocatalysis, including progress in adaptation of enzymes to industrial conditions, enzyme immobilization, and the production of value-added bio-based compounds. We then discuss the current state of the field, where enzyme engineering, continuous processing, and the use of sustainability metrics are increasingly shaping process design. Finally, we outline future directions, emphasizing hybrid chemo-enzymatic systems, process intensification, and the use of renewable resources. Overall, biocatalysis is presented not just as a green catalyst technology, but as an enabling technology in the transition towards more sustainable chemical manufacturing.