Bioelectrochemistry and In-Situ Techniques in Stable Bioelectrodes: A Focus on Enzymatic Catalysis of Small Molecules

• Grant number: 23/17020-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: April 01, 2024
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Frank Nelson Crespilho
• Grantee: Fhysmélia Firmino de Albuquerque
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/22214-6 - Towards a convergence of technologies: from sensing and biosensing to information visualization and machine learning for data analysis in clinical diagnosis, AP.TEM

Abstract

Enzymatic catalysis of small molecules is a field of growing scientific and technological interest, with broad applications ranging from biotechnology to sustainable energy production. This project aims to explore the use of stable bioelectrodes in conjunction with in-situ techniques and bioelectrochemistry as an innovative approach to investigate these catalytic reactions in detail. Stable bioelectrodes allow efficient immobilization and protection of catalytic enzymes, enabling direct monitoring of reactions in real-time. The research aims to identify new, more stable and resilient enzymes, and to perform protein engineering to optimize their activity in different environments. Two proteins, carbonic anhydrase (CA) and the photosystem II reaction complex (PSII), will be studied in bioelectrocatalytic reactions with substrates such as H2O and CO2. By combining advanced electronic spectroscopy, Raman, and micro-FTIR techniques on bioelectrodes, a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in small molecule catalysis can be obtained. The electrode-enzyme interface will be studied to maximize electron transfer and catalytic efficiency. These approaches are expected to result in a deeper understanding of enzymatic catalysis of small molecules, contributing to the development of innovative solutions in biotechnology, energy production, and medicinal applications. Additionally, with significant results, new avenues may open for sustainable technologies and advancements in the molecular-level understanding of bioelectrocatalysis.