Construction of chemoenzymatic cascade reactions for bridging chemocatalysis and Biocatalysis: Principles, strategies and prospective

Multi-step one-pot chemoenzymatic cascade reactions (mo-CECRs) bridging chemo- and bio-catalysis can not only accomplish chemical transformations with minimized purification steps, low cost and improved stereochemical control, but also enhance reactivity and outcomes through the cooperative effect of multiple catalysts. Despite the attractiveness of the concept which meets the principles of green and sustainable chemistry, the establishment of such catalytic networks faces important challenges due to the incompatibilities between different catalytic disciplines. The purpose of this review is to chart progress on mo-CECRs, including temporal compartmentalization, spatial compartmentalization and chemo-bio nanoreactors, with an emphasis on platform methods and technologies involved. The perspectives on future challenges and strategies in this burgeoning research are declared. This review may provide guidance for the design of new and robust mo-CECRs.