Biotransformation of chalcones and flavanones: An update on their bio-based derivatizations

Chalcones and flavanones are both present as secondary metabolites in edible and medicinal plants as isomers. Mostly of them are isolated in low yields from natural sources, along with the difficulties faced by the total synthesis, make them attractive for biotechnological studies in order to obtain new derivatives. Prompted by the enormous pharmacological interest in chalcones and flavanones compounds, their alimentary and chemical applications, this review covers their biotransformation as an alternative way for achieving chemical analogues with high selectivity, using mild and eco-friendly conditions. Stereoselective bioreductions of chalcones were the most reported biotransformation reactions, and they could be performed by bacteria, cyanobacteria, non-conventional yeasts (NCYs), and fungi strains with good yields. Flavanones have also been derivatized under stereochemical control by several microorganisms. All reported biotransformations contribute to increasing the availability of new and valuable leads for the market and industrial fields.