Roger A. Sheldon's Legacy in Biocatalysis and Neoteric Solvents: Tools to Reduce E-Factor and Advance Circular Chemistry

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Roger Sheldon’s commitment to sustainability through the minimization of waste produced in transformation processes has characterized his research career from the very beginning. His contributions range from the development of a novel enzyme immobilization strategy, cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs), to the definition of the E-factor, which is the most widely recognized mass-based metric for quantifying waste. Sheldon was at the forefront in the use of ionic liquids (ILs) as nonaqueous neoteric solvents for biocatalysis. While the use of CLEAs and ILs individually has a fundamental impact on waste and cost reduction, their combined application may drive significant synergies and process intensification. This perspective article aims to pay tribute to his career by discussing Sheldon's impact on waste reduction, fostering the development of efficient and sustainable strategies, as well as resource circularity.