Hydrogen Bioproduction Using Artificial Proteins Apo-reconstituted with Nickel Porphyrin

• Grant number: 24/14690-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo Michelin Iost
• Grantee: Artur Chagas Souza
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/01529-7 - Bioengineering of bifunctional metalloproteins applied in the production of added value products, AP.R

Abstract

The bioproduction of hydrogen from redox enzymes found in nature is limited to the class of hydrogenases. Enzymes from the hydrogenase class biologically catalyze the reversible oxidation of molecular hydrogen (H2) efficiently in an acidic environment and play a fundamental role in anaerobic metabolism. One of the major limitations of this class of enzymes is the limitation of their catalytic properties in the presence of atmospheric oxygen. Furthermore, their functioning is limited to certain temperature and pH ranges. These limitations can be overcome in the laboratory by obtaining biomimetic materials or through the synthesis of artificial proteins. In this project, in the form of scientific initiation, the aim is to contribute to frontier research in the area of artificial proteins and synthesis of new biomimetic structures from biodegradable polymers and also from apo-reconstituted redox proteins using nickel porphyrins (Ni+2/Ni+3). By obtaining these artificial biomolecules, in the environment of the São Carlos Chemistry Institute (IQSC-USP), the aim is to advance in the area of production of value-added products, with the prospect of transferring new technologies to the industrial sector.