Fine chemicals

Enzymes for fine chemicals & diagnostics

The role of enzymes in producing the fine chemicals found in a range of everyday products is growing. They offer a range of benefits over chemical synthesis and animal-origin cell culture technology. Enzymes also play a key role in PCR tests and similar viral diagnostic processes that are the gold standard in the field.

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Fine chemicals - a rapidly growing segment

From medications to food flavorings, fine chemicals are found in a wide range of everyday products. That's why the segment is rapidly gaining ground, with a projected value of $157 billion by 2028. There are a number of ways to produce these single, pure substances. One is through chemical synthesis of fossil fuel-derived starting chemicals. Others include biocatalysis and cell culture.

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Biocatalysis with enzymes

Enzymes are natural catalysts. In biocatalysis, they can be used to replace chemical catalysts in synthetic processes. The result is smarter chemical synthesis that follows the principles of green chemistry. Compared to chemical catalysts, enzymes offer higher reaction rates and milder reaction conditions. They also have high reaction specificity with no side products. Enzymes enable more sustainable routes to produce intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

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Enzyme solutions for fine chemicals

Extraction through cell culture

Enzymes are natural catalysts. In biocatalysis, they can be used to replace chemical catalysts in synthetic processes. The result is smarter chemical synthesis that follows the principles of green chemistry. Compared to chemical catalysts, enzymes offer higher reaction rates and milder reaction conditions. They also have high reaction specificity with no side products. Enzymes enable more sustainable routes to produce intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Fine Chemicals BioCatalysis lab workers

A supply you can rely on

An unreliable supply makes you vulnerable, especially in times of crisis. We have production facilities on four continents and warehouses all over the world. A flexible and robust distribution network built on strong partnerships further strengthens our global presence. All this helps us deliver the supply-chain continuity you need.

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Latest insights in fine chemicals

The 12 Principles of green chemistry

12 Principles of Green Chemistry

Green chemistry is an approach designed to minimize the impact of chemistry on human health and the environment. The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry listed below show how using enzymes instead of chemical catalysts leads to more sustainable processes that are safer, more energy efficient and less wasteful.

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Novozymes enzymes are nature's own catalysts

Biocatalysis involves implementing natural catalysts, such as enzymes, in place of chemical catalysts in synthetic processes. Transitioning to biocatalysis enables more sustainable manufacturing of fine chemicals, agro-intermediates, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

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Explore our solutions within Fine chemicals and find the one that's right for you. 

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Explore solutions beyond our current portfolio

Looking for solutions that go beyond our current portfolio? At Novozymes, we're always excited to hear new ideas for biosolutions and help bring them to life.