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

• Grant number: 25/05509-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2028
• 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

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 and bioelectrochemical techniques as an innovative approach to investigate these catalytic reactions in detail. Stable bioelectrodes allow efficient immobilization and protection of catalytic enzymes, enabling direct real-time monitoring of reactions.The research aims to identify new, more stable and resilient enzymes, as well as perform protein engineering to optimize their activity in different environments. Various proteins will be studied, including cytochrome c oxidase, bilirubin oxidase, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO), carbonic anhydrase (CA), photosystem II (PSII) complex, nitrite reductase, and nitrogenase. These enzymes will be used in bioelectrocatalytic reactions with substrates such as N2, H2O, O2, CO2, NO2-, and H2. By combining advanced techniques such as electronic spectroscopy, Raman, and micro-FTIR on bioelectrodes, a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in catalyzing small molecules can be obtained. The electrode-enzyme interface will be studied to maximize electron transfer and catalytic efficiency. These approaches are expected to lead to a better understanding of enzymatic catalysis of small molecules, contributing to the development of innovative solutions in biotechnology, energy production, and medical applications. Moreover, with significant results, new pathways may be opened for sustainable technologies and advancements in understanding bioelectrocatalysis at the molecular level.