Scope and potential of halogenases in biosynthetic applications

► Halogenated natural products are diverse in structure, activity, and biosynthesis. ► Halogenases can show high regioselectivity that is often difficult to achieve synthetically. ► Chlorine and bromine can be installed at a wide range of chemical functionalities. ► Developing halogenases through enzyme engineering is an emerging area of study. ► Enzymes acting late in biosynthesis hold intriguing potential for synthesis.