Ionic liquids in whole-cell biocatalysis: a compromise between toxicity and efficiency

Abstract

Comparison of chemical catalysis by metal complexes, enzymatic catalysis and whole-cell biocatalysis shows well-addressed advantages of the latter approach. However, a critical limitation in the practical applications originates from the high sensitivity of microorganisms to the toxic effects of organic solvents. In the present review, we consider toxic solvent properties of ionic liquid/water systems towards the development of efficient applications in practical organic transformations.