Enzyme catalysed reactions in water - Organic solvent two-phase systems

Enzyme-catalysed transformations carried out in two-phase systems consisting of water and a water-immiscible organic solvent are discussed. The systems appear advantageous when substrates poorly soluble in water, such as steroids, are used. The methodology also makes possible the use of hydrolytic enzymes for the synthesis of ester bonds. Several applications of such two-phase systems are illustrated. The criteria that must be taken into consideration for selecting the most suitable organic solvents and the operational conditions are discussed.