Advances on whole-cell biocatalysis in flow

The combination of enabling technologies, such as biocatalysis and flow chemistry, represents an important opportunity to expand the chemical toolbox for the preparation of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals under ambient and environmentally benign conditions. Whole cells are considered as the cheapest form of catalyst for bioconversion for many reasons, among which the ready and cheap preparation, no need of expensive cofactor, and the increased enzyme stability because of protective barriers offered by cell compartments. This review highlights some of the most recent advances in the field of biotransformations under flow conditions using whole cells. Different examples are provided where the use of continuous flow techniques enables the development of very efficient processes and multiple reaction steps to be combined into a single continuous operation.