[Recent advances in enzymatic production of alpha-keto acids].

Alpha-keto acid is a bifunctional organic compound containing both carboxyl and ketone groups, and widely applied in the industries of food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics. Based on the demand of eco-friendly process, safety and sustainable development, production of α-keto acids by enzymatic conversion technology has been paid more and more attention. In this article, we review the status of α-keto acids biosynthesis from three aspects: enzymatic screening, enzymatic modification and optimization of enzymatic conversion conditions. Meanwhile, we also indicate future research directions for further improving α-keto acids production.