Significant advancement made in engineering biology and clean energy

Posted in ACS CatalysisThe research demonstrates a pioneering artificial photocatalysis approach that addresses a key challenge in harnessing solar energy for fuel production. While nature’s photosynthetic systems have evolved to optimize sunlight utilization, artificial systems have struggled to achieve comparable performance.

Hybrid nanoreactors are the product of a novel integration of biomaterials and synthetic materials. It combines a recombinant α-carboxysome shell, a natural microcompartment of bacteria, with a microporous organic semiconductor. These carboxyl body shells protect sensitive hydrogenase enzymes that are very efficient at producing hydrogen gas but are easily inactivated by oxygen. Encapsulating these enzymes ensures continued activity and efficiency.

Professor Liu Luning, Head of the Department of Microbial Bioenergetics and Bioengineering at the University of Liverpool, collaborated with Professor Andy Cooper, Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the University’s Materials Innovation Factory (MIF). Together, their team synthesized a microporous organic semiconductor that can be used as a light-harvesting antenna. This semiconductor absorbs visible light and transfers the generated excitons to biocatalysts, driving hydrogen production.

Professor Liu Luning said: “By mimicking the complex structure and function of natural photosynthesis, we created a hybrid nanoreactor that combines the broad light absorption and exciton generation efficiency of synthetic materials with the catalytic capabilities of biological enzymes. This synergy enables the production of hydrogen that uses light as its sole energy source.

This latest work is of major significance and has the potential to eliminate the reliance on expensive precious metals such as platinum, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional synthetic photocatalysts while achieving comparable efficiencies. This breakthrough not only paves the way for sustainable hydrogen production, but also has the potential for wider biotech applications.

Professor Andy Cooper, Director of the Materials Innovation Factory, concluded: “It’s fantastic to have collaborated across university departments to deliver these results. The exciting findings of this research open the door to the creation of biomimetic nanoreactors, with applications in clean energy and enzyme engineering has a wide range of applications and contributes to a carbon-neutral future.