Directed evolution of enzymes and binding proteins

Directed evolution of enzymes and binding proteins is a man-made approach based on molecular discoveries that accelerates the evolution process in the lab. The method is based on a predetermined level of randomness in protein sequence variation. Engineered screening and selection procedures are used in conjunction with this. Directed evolution is an iterative process that includes identifying a starting state protein, diversifying its gene, developing an expression and screening strategy, re-diversification, re-screening, and so on until a satisfactory level of enzymatic activity, binding affinity, or specificity is achieved.