Sections & Workgroups > Section on Applied Biocatalysis (ESAB)

Section on Applied Biocatalysis (ESAB)

The EFB section on Applied Biocatalysis (ESAB) is active in the field of Industrial Biotechnology. Industrial Biotechnology is the application of biotechnology for the industrial production and processing of chemical substances, materials and bio-energy. Industrial Biotechnology exploits the synthetic capabilities of the natural world for human needs and typically leads to greener production processes. This technology is mainly based on biocatalysis (the use of enzymes to catalyse chemical reactions) and fermentation technology (directed use of microbial metabolism). Industrial biotechnology (also referred to as white biotechnology) stands apart from the red biotechnology (directed towards health care) and green biotechnology (genetically modified agricultural crops).

Industrial Biotechnology is a technology with a particularly broad application potential in a variety of industries such as the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, the food and feed industry, agro-industry, textile industry, energy sector, etc. These industries increasingly rely on biocatalytic processes to perform a wide range of reactions, improve the cost-effectiveness of existing processes and develop new products and applications. The use of biocatalysis can have significant performance benefits compared to conventional chemical technology, such as a high reaction selectivity, higher reaction rate, increased conversion efficiency, improved product purity, lowered energy consumption and a significant decrease in waste generation. The processes of industrial biotechnology will often rely on renewable resources as a raw material and typically lead to significant ecological and economical benefits.

The former working party on Applied Biocatalysis transformed itself into an EFB Section in September 2000. ESAB is led by a scientific committee consisting of about 40 members from all European countries. Individual scientists with an interest in Industrial Biotechnology are requested to become a member so that they can actively participate in the activities of ESAB and support the development of Industrial Biotechnology in Europe.

The mission of ESAB can be summarized as follows:

• To promote the industrial application of useful biocatalysts
• To develop the science and engineering aspects of industrial biotechnology
• To promote industrial biotechnology in European and national science policies
• To identify key topics which may be rate-limiting for the development of industrial biotechnology and to take steps to stimulate these areas, particularly through the organisation of scientific meetings and conferences.

For further information, please visit the ESAB website or contact:

Dr. Roland Wohlgemuth (Chairman)
Fluka Group, Buchs, Ch
Dept. of Biochemistry
E-mail: rwohlgemuth@sial.com