The Role of Microorganisms in the Development of Biological Drugs

Dear Colleagues,

Isolated enzymes and whole microbial cells are environmentally friendly catalysts that can be used in aqueous solution at room temperature, under atmospheric pressure, and with moderate pH values; therefore, they are well suited to the green synthesis of novel drugs. Microbial enzymes transform numerous substances in reaction-, region-, and stereo-specific ways; thus, in many cases, they may meet the requirements of modern drug synthesis. These enzymes’ practical value is based on the fact that they not only catalyze the reactions of their natural substrates, but also convert other compounds. Biotechnological processes use whole cells and/or specific enzymes to carry out these processes. Biosynthetic processes, which often require a cascade of individual enzyme reactions, are usually carried out using whole cells, while biotransformation reactions use either isolated enzymes or whole cells, depending on the properties of the enzymes involved. When evaluating a process, the advantages and disadvantages of isolated enzymes and whole cells must be compared, though, where possible, specific enzymes are preferred, as they exclude side reactions catalyzed by cells.

Recent developments in the understanding of the human microbiome provided evidence of the therapeutic potential of selected micro-organisms to prevent or treat disease. In recent years, the concept of "next-generation probiotics" has been proposed, with new drugs and micro-organisms being considered as "live biotherapeutic products (LBP)". According to the FDA’s definition, which was published in 2016, LBP are living bacterial drugs that can be used to prevent or treat certain human diseases and symptoms. Due to these clear advantages, LBP have been the subject of various recent drug development research projects and have broad development prospects.

This Special Issue will provide insights into novel drugs’ promising biosynthesis and biotransformation strategies, as well as recent development of novel LBPs. Moreover, the latest proven enzyme-mediated routes, which use single-step biotransformation or enzyme cascade synthesis to achieve optimal outcomes, will be discussed.

Dr. Jingyu Chen
Dr. Annett Mikolasch
Dr. Mariam Gaid
Guest Editors

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