Mechanoenzymatic reactions are promising strategy for designing more sustainable processes. As mechanochemistry is already more explored mechanoenzymology can apply those lessons in enzymatic process development. Different devices for mechanoenzymology are discussed and their use in a rational process development. Mechanoenzymology may benefit from recent developments in mechanochemistry in the areas of process design and in-line analytics.

Abstract

Mechanoenzymology has emerged as a recent topic in modern research and process design in the transition towards green chemistry. Due to the almost solvent-free character of mechanoenzymatic reactions solvent usage is considerably reduced and waste can be avoided. Moreover, mechanoenzymatic reactions show highly promising space-time yields and conversions, however, are still less investigated than their chemical counterparts. The selectivity of enzymes is an important feature for designing green processes and avoiding formation of by-products. In this review, different mechanoenzymatic strategies are pointed out, involving the most common applied devices, i. e., shaker ball mills, planetary ball mills and twin-screw extruders. Their compatibility with upscaling and continuous processes is discussed and reusability of enzymes in the different mechanoenzymatic processes is evaluated. In addition, learnings from mechanochemistry are presented and their potential benefits for mechanoenzymology are outlined.