Utilizing in-cell engineering techniques, scientists have engineered advanced hybrid solid catalysts for synthetic photosynthesis through the formation of protein crystals. Originating from genetically altered bacteria, these catalysts are not only highly reactive but also stable and eco-conscious, marking a significant advancement in the field of enzyme immobilization.
Researchers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology have shown that in-cell engineering is a highly effective mechanism for synthesizing functional protein crystals with noteworthy catalytic features. By leveraging genetically modified bacteria as an eco-friendly platform for synthesis, the team generated hybrid solid catalysts that demonstrate remarkable activity, stability, and longevity, thereby underscoring the feasibility of this inventive methodology.
Much like traditional crystals, protein crystals are highly ordered molecular formations with varied properties and considerable potential for customization. They can naturally form from materials present within cellular structures, thus significantly minimizing both the cost of synthesis and the environmental footprint.
While protein crystals hold promise as catalysts due to their ability to house a range of functional molecules, existing methodologies restrict their application to small molecules and uncomplicated proteins. Therefore, it is crucial to devise strategies for generating protein crystals that can accommodate both natural enzymes and synthetic functional molecules, thereby unlocking their full capability for enzyme immobilization.
In this context, a research group from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, headed by Professor Takafumi Ueno, has formulated an innovative approach to engineer hybrid solid catalysts rooted in protein crystals. Detailed in their paper published in Nano Letters on July 12, 2023, their technique melds in-cell engineering with straightforward in vitro processes to synthesize catalysts for synthetic photosynthesis.
The foundational element of the hybrid catalyst is a protein monomer sourced from a virus that infects the Bombyx mori silkworm. The team introduced a gene coding for this protein into Escherichia coli bacteria, leading to the formation of monomers that eventually assemble into stable polyhedral crystals (PhCs) by interlinking through their N-terminal α-helix (H1). Moreover, the scientists introduced a modified version of the formate dehydrogenase (FDH) gene from yeast species into the E. coli genome, enabling the formation of hybrid H1-FDH@PhC crystals within the bacterial cells.
Upon extraction from the E. coli cells through sonication and gradient centrifugation, these hybrid crystals were immersed in a solution containing an artificial photosensitizer known as eosin Y (EY). Genetically altered to allow the hosting of eosin Y molecules in their central channels, the protein monomers enabled stable, large-scale binding of EY to the hybrid crystal.
Through this elaborate methodology, the researchers succeeded in creating highly reactive, recyclable, and thermally resilient EY·H1-FDH@PhC catalysts capable of transforming carbon dioxide (CO2) into formate (HCOO−) upon light exposure, thus emulating the natural photosynthesis process. Furthermore, these catalysts retained 94.4% of their original catalytic efficacy after the immobilization process. “The conversion efficacy of the developed hybrid crystal is notably superior to that of previously described compounds employed in enzymatic synthetic photosynthesis reliant on FDH,” emphasized Prof. Ueno. “Additionally, the hybrid PhCs maintained their solid protein assembly structure through both in vivo and in vitro engineering methods, indicating their extraordinary crystallization capabilities and substantial plasticity.”
In summation, this research accentuates the transformative power of bioengineering in generating complex functional materials. “The amalgamation of in vivo and in vitro protocols for encapsulating protein crystals could serve as an efficacious and ecologically responsible strategy for future research in nanomaterials and synthetic photosynthesis,” concluded Prof. Ueno.
This work indeed kindles optimism for a more environmentally sustainable future.
Reference: “In-Cell Engineering of Protein Crystals into Hybrid Solid Catalysts for Artificial Photosynthesis” by Tiezheng Pan, Basudev Maity, Satoshi Abe, Taiki Morita, and Takafumi Ueno, published in Nano Letters on July 12, 2023.
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02355
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Synthetic Photosynthesis
What is the main focus of the research conducted by the Tokyo Institute of Technology?
The main focus of the research is the development of advanced hybrid solid catalysts for synthetic photosynthesis using in-cell engineering techniques. The catalysts are generated from genetically modified bacteria and exhibit high levels of activity, stability, and environmental sustainability.
Who led the research team at the Tokyo Institute of Technology?
The research team was led by Professor Takafumi Ueno from the Tokyo Institute of Technology.
What methodology was employed to produce these hybrid solid catalysts?
The researchers employed a combination of in-cell engineering and simple in vitro processes to produce these catalysts. They utilized genetically modified Escherichia coli bacteria as a synthesis platform and introduced specific genes to form stable polyhedral crystals and hybrid crystals.
What are the notable properties of these hybrid solid catalysts?
The hybrid solid catalysts are highly active, stable, durable, and environmentally friendly. They have the ability to convert carbon dioxide into formate upon exposure to light, mimicking the natural photosynthesis process.
How do these catalysts contribute to enzyme immobilization?
The innovative approach allows for the production of protein crystals that can accommodate both natural enzymes and synthetic functional molecules, unlocking their full capability for enzyme immobilization.
What is the environmental impact of using these hybrid catalysts?
The catalysts are eco-conscious, as they are produced using genetically altered bacteria, which serves as a green synthesis platform. This not only minimizes the synthesis costs but also lessens their environmental footprint.
What is the source of the foundational element of the hybrid catalyst?
The foundational element of the hybrid catalyst is a protein monomer derived from a virus that infects the Bombyx mori silkworm.
Where was the research published and when?
The research was published in the journal Nano Letters on July 12, 2023.
What potential applications does this research have in other scientific fields?
This research highlights the potential of bioengineering in generating complex functional materials and could provide an effective strategy for future research in areas such as nanomaterials and environmental sustainability.
Does the research indicate any future prospects for a greener environment?
Yes, the research concludes with optimism for a more environmentally sustainable future, highlighting the eco-friendly nature of the hybrid catalysts and their synthesis methodology.
More about Synthetic Photosynthesis
- Nano Letters Journal
- Tokyo Institute of Technology Research
- In-Cell Engineering Explained
- Artificial Photosynthesis Overview
- Formate Dehydrogenase Gene
- Escherichia coli Bacteria
- Bioengineering in Environmental Sustainability
- DOI for the Research Paper
7 comments
Wow, this is game-changing stuff! Synthetic photosynthesis could literally turn the tables for our climate crisis. So, whats next? any idea on when this tech will be commercialized?
I must say the involvement of bioengineering in creating such complex functional materials is ground-breaking. Kudos to Prof. Ueno and his team!
This is a huge leap in artificial photosynthesis. Just imagine, converting CO2 back to something useful! This could be revolutionary in mitigating climate change.
it’s fantastic to see researchers tackling real-world problems like this. I’m so impressed by how they’re making the process eco-friendly. But, im curious about the cost. Any info on that?
The publication date is pretty recent, so I guess we need to wait for some real-world applications. Still, the possibilities are endless. This is future tech, folks.
Can’t believe they’re using a protein from a silkworm-infecting virus. Nature has all the answers, doesn’t it? So intriguing.
Hybrid catalysts sound promising, but how safe are they really? esp. since they’re using genetically modified bacteria. Would love to know more.