Exploring the biocatalysis of psilocybin and other tryptamines: Enzymatic pathways, synthetic strategies, and industrial implications
Lucas Henrique Junges, Marcelo Müller‐santos
Biotechnology Progress October 4, 2024 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3513 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Tryptamines Biocatalysis |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | Biocatalysis offers a sustainable, efficient alternative to current labor-intensive extraction methods for synthesizing psilocybin and other tryptamines. |
Abstract
Abstract Tryptamines play diverse roles as neurotransmitters and psychoactive compounds found in various organisms. Psilocybin, a notable tryptamine, has garnered attention for its therapeutic potential in treating mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Despite its promising applications, current extraction methods for psilocybin are labor‐intensive and economically limiting. We suggest biocatalysis as a sustainable alternative, leveraging enzymes to synthesize psilocybin and other tryptamines efficiently. By elucidating psilocybin biosynthesis pathways, researchers aim to advance synthetic methodologies and industrial applications. This review underscores the transformative potential of biocatalysis in enhancing our understanding of tryptamine biosynthesis and facilitating the production of high‐purity psilocybin and other tryptamines for therapeutic and research use.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| The pharmacology of psilocybin | 2002 | Review | |
| Serotonin research: contributions to understanding psychoses | 2008 | Review | |
| Psychedelics, Meditation, and Self-Consciousness | 2018 | Review | |
| The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Complete biosynthesis of psychedelic tryptamines from three kingdoms in plants Science Advances April 1, 2026
- Reconstituting a two-step pathway for N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) biosynthesis in bacteria Metabolic Engineering Communications July 1, 2026
- Psilocybin and Mental Health Outcomes: Scoping Review with ☸SAIMSARA SAIMSARA Journal June 15, 2026
Cites 42
- Global Street Food: la cocina de la calle Diseño interior 2009
- Potential Therapeutic Effects of Psilocybin. Neurotherapeutics July 1, 2017
- The hallucinogenic world of tryptamines: an updated review. Archives of Toxicology August 1, 2015
- Recreational Use, Analysis and Toxicity of Tryptamines Current Neuropharmacology December 10, 2014
- Enzymatic Synthesis of Psilocybin Angewandte Chemie International Edition August 1, 2017
and 37 more in the library