Fluorine biocatalysis

The introduction of fluorine atoms into organic molecules has received considerable attentions as these organofluorines have often found widespread applications in bioorganic chemistry, medicinal chemistry and
biomaterial science. Despite innovation of synthetic C–F forming methodologies, selective fluorination is still extremely challenging. Therefore, a biotransformation approach using fluorine biocatalysts is needed to selectively
introduce fluorine into structurally diverse molecules. Yet, there are few ways that enable incorporation of fluorine into structurally complex bioactive molecules. One is to extend the substrate scope of the existing enzyme
inventory. Another is to expand the biosynthetic pathways to accept fluorinated precursors for producing fluorinated bioactive molecules. Finally, an understanding of the physiological roles of fluorometabolites in the
producing microorganisms will advance our ability to engineer a microorganism to produce novel fluorinated commodities. Here, we review the fluorinase biotechnology and fluorine biocatalysts that incorporate fluorine
motifs to generate fluorinated molecules, and highlight areas for future developments.