Exploring and adapting the molecular selectivity of artificial metalloenzymes

Abstract

In recent years, artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) have become a major research interest in the field of biocatalysis. With the ability to facilitate new-to-nature reactions, researchers have generally prepared them either through intensive protein engineering studies or through the introduction of abiotic transition metals. The aim of this review will be to summarize the major types of ArMs that have been recently developed, as well as to highlight their general reaction scope. A point of emphasis will also be made to discuss the promising ways that the molecular selectivity of ArMs can be applied to in areas of pharmaceutical synthesis, diagnostics, and drug therapy.