The Use of Hydroxynitrile Lyases (HNLs) for Stereospecific Synthesis of Esters, Alcohols, and Acids

Hydroxynitrile lyases (HNLs) are specialized biocatalysts that facilitate the synthesis and cleavage of cyanohydrins, a class of compounds critical for the production of enantiomerically pure esters, alcohols, and acids. The stereospecificity offered by HNL enzymes makes them invaluable for the creation of chiral compounds, which are essential in industries such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals. By leveraging HNLs, manufacturers can achieve high enantioselectivity under environmentally friendly conditions, reducing reliance on toxic reagents and minimizing energy consumption compared to traditional chemical synthesis (Effenberger, 1998; Gruber et al., 2004). This white paper underscores the pivotal role of HNL enzymes in enabling green chemistry practices, offering an in-depth exploration of their mechanism, applications, and advantages over conventional methods. The paper also highlights emerging innovations in the field, such as protein engineering and synthetic biology, which aim to enhance the efficiency and scalability of HNL-driven processes. From pharmaceutical precursors to agrochemical intermediates, HNL enzymes are poised to revolutionize the production of high-value compounds while addressing the growing demand for sustainable industrial practices. Additionally, the versatility of these enzymes in environmental applications, such as cyanide detoxification, further cements their importance in promoting a circular and sustainable economy (Banerjee et al., 2020).