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Harnessing Biology for Sustainable Energy Production appeared on www.azonano.com by .
A study published in ACS Catalysis by researchers from the University of Liverpool outlines advancements in engineering biology and sustainable energy.
The team developed a light-driven hybrid nanoreactor that integrates natural efficiency with synthetic precision to produce hydrogen, a clean and sustainable energy source.
The study introduces a new approach to artificial photocatalysis, addressing a key challenge in utilizing solar energy for fuel production. While natural photosynthetic systems have evolved to optimize sunlight capture, synthetic systems have faced difficulties achieving comparable efficiency.
The hybrid nanoreactor combines biological and synthetic components. Specifically, it integrates recombinant ?-carboxysome shells—microcompartments derived from bacteria—with a microporous organic semiconductor.
The carboxysome shells protect hydrogenase enzymes, which are highly efficient at producing hydrogen but are vulnerable to deactivation by oxygen. Encapsulation ensures the enzymes remain active and effective.
Professor Luning Liu, Chair of Microbial Bioenergetics and Bioengineering at the University of Liverpool, worked in collaboration with Professor Andy Cooper from the Department of Chemistry and Director of the University’s Materials Innovation Factory.
Their teams designed a microporous organic semiconductor that acts as a light-harvesting antenna. This material captures visible light and transfers the resulting excitons to the biocatalyst, enabling hydrogen production.
By mimicking the intricate structures and functions of natural photosynthesis, we’ve created a hybrid nanoreactor that combines the broad light absorption and exciton generation efficiency of synthetic materials with the catalytic power of biological enzymes. This synergy enables the production of hydrogen using light as the sole energy source.
Luning Lu, Professor, University of Liverpool
The study has significant implications and may reduce the reliance on expensive precious metals like platinum by offering a more cost-effective alternative to conventional synthetic photocatalysts while maintaining comparable efficiency.
This innovation provides a foundation for sustainable hydrogen production and could be applied to a range of other biotechnological processes.
It is been fantastic to collaborate across University faculties to deliver these results. The study’s exciting findings open doors to fabricating biomimetic nanoreactors with wide-ranging applications in clean energy and enzymatic engineering, contributing to a carbon-neutral future.
Andy Cooper, Professor and Director, Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool
Journal Reference:
Yang, J., et. al. (2024) Light-Driven Hybrid Nanoreactor Harnessing the Synergy of Carboxysomes and Organic Frameworks for Efficient Hydrogen Production. ACS Catalysis. doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.4c03672
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