Hydroxynitrile Lyases: Biological Sources and Application as Biocatalysts

Abstract

We review the state of the art regarding the application of hydroxynitrile lyases to obtain, enantioselectively, (R)- and (S)-cyanohydrins of aldehydes and ketones. Special emphasis is given to recent preparative applications and to research for extending the number of plants serving as sources for the enzyme. Depending on the plant family, the mechanism of the enzyme-catalysed reaction can be different. A novel area of research is the consideration of evolutionary aspects on the basis of structure comparisons.

Keywords

• hydroxynitrile lyases
• oxynitrilase
• biocatalytic cyanohydrin synthesis