Redesigning an elusive bacterial enzyme into an efficient green catalyst

Industrial oxidation chemistry is a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, accounting for nearly one-third of all chemical industrial processes. While essential for making pharmaceuticals, dyes, and many specialty chemicals, industrial oxidation typically relies on high-temperature, high-pressure processes involving toxic oxidizing agents. This has motivated scientists to look into cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) as a compelling alternative.