National Institute of General Medical Sciences 2R15GM131260-03

Rational Design of Artificial Hydrogenases

This award funds research to design artificial hydrogenases using biomolecular design to understand and replicate the function of natural hydrogenase enzymes, aiming to advance alternative energy research.

Description

Hydrogenases are complex metalloenzymes that produce H2 gas naturally and, thus, present a significant promise in an H2-based green energy economy if we can decipher how these enzymes function by developing simpler biomolecular systems. Using de novo design and metalloprotein redesign approaches, we will construct artificial hydrogenases with homometallic and heterometallic active sites, determine their physical and catalytic properties and electron/proton transfer pathways, and elucidate how multimetallic sites contribute to the function. Our studies will provide critical mechanistic insights for the development of novel biocatalysts and advancing alternative energy research.

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