Lipases in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries

Lipases are versatile enzymatic tools with wide-ranging pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and diagnostic applications. Their remarkable adaptability and effectiveness across diverse contexts underscore their profound significance within these industries. Researchers have embarked on exploratory journeys, pushing the boundaries of biocatalysis to drive innovation and promising advancements that hold the potential to significantly benefit human health, enhance beauty products, and revolutionize diagnostics. This chapter comprehensively overviews lipases’ myriad roles in the pharmaceutical sector. These roles encompass the synthesis of crucial drug intermediates and the intricate kinetic resolution of enantiomeric compounds. Beyond their pivotal roles in these processes, lipases also emerge as therapeutic targets for addressing obesity and related ailments, demonstrating their potential to enhance lipid profiles, promote liver health, and explore novel applications in cancer treatment. Furthermore, lipases find extensive utility in the realm of cosmetics. Their involvement extends to synthesizing various products, including emulsifiers and flavor esters, where they serve as active ingredients, contributing to the formulation’s efficacy and appeal. Lastly, this chapter sheds light on the diverse applications of lipases in diagnostics, highlighting their exceptional potential and widespread use within this domain. In summary, lipases are versatile catalysts that continue to shape the landscape of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and diagnostics. This chapter serves as a guide for specialized audiences, offering insights into the multifaceted contributions of lipases to these industries and their potential to drive transformative change.