Table 1.
Various reported methods of measuring biocatalyst performance. All methods are dependent upon the conditions used, and therefore, should not be quoted in isolation. * Measured over the lifetime of the biocatalyst. ** Achievable product concentration and productivity.
| Metric | Definition | Advantages | Main Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| kcat/KM | mol P/(mol Biocat.t.KM) | Biochemists standard measurement |
Disregards stability |
| TON | mol P/mol Biocat | Often used to compare with other enzymes |
Disregards rate |
| TOF | mol P/mol Biocat.t | Good for stable enzymes |
Disregards stability |
| TTN * | mol P/mol Biocat | Good for laboratory use with pure enzymes |
Disregards enzyme purity |
| BY * | mass P/mass B | Good for economic assessment |
Disregards other metrics ** |