Enzymes as Emerging Biocatalysts for Biotransformation Processes

The increase in the generation of biological waste derived from agricultural, industrial, and household activity has an upward trend due to the lifestyle of the world population. This situation is guiding scientific research to exploit these residues, increasing sustainability, reducing environmental pollution, and thus achieving the zero-waste strategy. Enzymes are being proposed as biocatalysts to produce biotransformations that perform efficient conversions of biological waste into high-value-added products. This chapter discusses the role that enzymes are developing in the exploitation of these residues in the production of biofuels, biodegradable plastics, prebiotics, bioactive compounds, biosurfactants, and other products using biotransformation processes. In addition, future perspectives that will allow guaranteeing sustainable production through the gradual reduction of biological waste thanks to its exhaustive use are analyzed. After the review carried out, it was concluded that enzymes represent one of the viable technological alternatives for biological waste management to achieve the zero-waste strategy.