Biotransformation of Terpenoids: A Green Alternative for Producing Molecules with Pharmacological Activity

Terpenoids are natural products of great interest due to their broad application scope. They are employed as agrochemicals, drugs, fragrances, flavours and pigments. In the search of new derivatives with improved properties, the use of biocatalysts is being constantly increased, especially in redox processes. They can give rise to stereo- and regioselective products and/or compounds functionalized in remote positions difficult to reach by means of traditional organic chemistry. In this review, the application of whole cell catalyzed biotransformations of terpenoids to obtain new drug targets or to increase the pharmacological activity is presented.