Abstract

Microbial Chemistry as a Sustainable and Selective Platform for Organic Synthesis

Author(s): Sofia M. Calderón

Organic synthesis is a central discipline within chemistry, traditionally dominated by reagent-based and energy-intensive chemical reactions. In recent decades, microbial chemistry has emerged as a powerful complementary approach, enabling highly selective and environmentally sustainable synthetic transformations. Microorganisms possess enzymatic systems capable of catalyzing complex chemical reactions under mild conditions, often with exceptional regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. These microbial processes offer valuable alternatives to conventional synthetic routes, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceutical intermediates and bioactive compounds. This article provides an in-depth examination of the role of microbial chemistry in organic synthesis, emphasizing its chemical principles, synthetic advantages, and growing importance in modern chemical research.