Add BrightSurf on Google Email

How to protect biocatalysts from oxygen

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a method to increase oxygen stability of [FeFe] hydrogenase enzyme using site-directed mutagenesis, electrochemistry, X-ray crystallography and molecular dynamics simulations. Blockages in dynamic water channels near the H-cluster were found to improve oxygen resistance.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemSusChem·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2023

Protecting biocatalysts from oxygen

Researchers discovered a new enzyme with molecular protection against oxygen, increasing its resistance by genetic modification. This breakthrough aims to improve protein dynamics and control inorganic centre reactivity for carbon-neutral hydrogen production.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

How nature builds hydrogen-producing enzymes

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and University of Oxford reveal the mechanism behind activating hydrogenases, complex enzymes that produce hydrogen efficiently. The discovery sheds light on the process of introducing a chemical cofactor into the enzyme's active center.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2019

Re-designing hydrogenases

Researchers at EPFL have successfully synthesized a manganese-hydrogenase by incorporating a manganese complex into an iron-hydrogenase. The resulting semi-synthetic enzyme is active for the native reaction of iron-hydrogenase, marking a significant breakthrough in metalloenzyme design.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 21, 2019

Next step on the path towards an efficient biofuel cell

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum developed a system combining gas diffusion electrode technology with the enzyme hydrogenase to achieve significantly higher current densities. The resulting biofuel cell achieved a power density of up to 3.6 milliwatts per square centimeter and an open circuit voltage of 1.13 volts.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 14, 2018

Fully identified: The pathway of protons

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have identified the proton transfer pathway in [FeFe]-hydrogenases, a crucial step for efficient hydrogen production. The study reveals that amino acids with no function can shut down hydrogenase activity, and provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanism of proton transfer.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2018

Synthetic DNA-based enzymes

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed semi-synthetic enzyme systems using DNA, which can replace protein cofactors. This innovation aims to create more stable biocatalysts that can be used in industry for climate protection and economic gain.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Reviews Chemistry·DateAug 20, 2018

A protective shield for sensitive catalysts

A team of researchers has developed a hydrogel that can protect sensitive catalysts from oxygen-caused damage, making it possible to create efficient and affordable hydrogen fuel cells. The hydrogel acts as both solvent and protective environment, allowing the catalysts to remain functional even in high-oxygen concentrations.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 15, 2015

A protecting umbrella against oxygen

Researchers develop a novel fuel cell design that protects sensitive catalysts using a redox hydrogel. This shield prevents deactivation caused by oxygen and extreme electrical potentials, allowing for efficient and long-term energy conversion. The breakthrough has major implications for the development of sustainable energy solutions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 4, 2014

Researchers discover how soils control atmospheric hydrogen

Soil bacteria, such as Mycobacterium smegmatis, use enzymes to efficiently scavenge hydrogen from the atmosphere, ramping up activity when carbon-based energy sources are scarce. This discovery has implications for understanding global climate processes and developing new catalysts for hydrogen fuel cells.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2014

New materials for bio-based hydrogen synthesis

Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have developed a method to generate bio-based hydrogen through spontaneous protein activation, enabling the industrial application of hydrogenases. The new process uses chemically synthesized inactive iron complexes and biological precursors to produce fully activated enzymes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 12, 2013