More than 5000 halogenated products have been described in nature; amongst them are potent antimicrobials e.g. vancomycin or chloramphenicol. Incorporation of a halogen can effectively impact a molecule’s properties as well as its bioactivity and pharmacological properties.  Around 20% of small molecule drugs and approximately 30% of agrochemicals are halogenated. Thus selective halogenation strategies are of high technological value. Recently enzymatic halogenations have received increased interest.

The review “Recent Advances in Flavin-Dependent Halogenase Biocatalysis: Sourcing, Engineering, and Application”(PDF 2,1 MB) (PDF 2,1 MB)focuses on work carried out on flavin-dependent halogenases, which in contrast to heme- and vanadium-dependent halogenases selectively derivatize small molecules. 

For further information check Catalysts 2019, 9, 1030; doi:10.3390/catal9121030