Biocatalysis applied to the synthesis of agrochemicals

Although biocatalysts still only account for a relatively small fraction of the total catalyst market, an increasing number of companies are beginning to supplement their range of metal and chemical catalysts with biocatalysts. Consequently, researchers have been trying to take advantage of new technical developments in order to make biocatalysis a viable alternative to traditional synthetic options. Particularly, application of biologically derived catalysts to the synthesis of agrochemicals has grown rapidly in recent years. This review, with approximately 180 references, deals with the use of isolated enzymes and microorganisms as catalysts for the preparation of pesticides and their precursors, covering the period previous to December 2004. An overview of the industrial production of agrochemicals is also included.