CATL 19 |
| The green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, can directly couple light-driven photosynthetic water oxidation to hydrogenase-linked H2 production. We have examined the process under nutrient stress conditions and have found ways to produce H2 continuously for up to 6 months. Nevertheless, efficiencies are low and a number of issues must be addressed, including the sensitivity of the [FeFe]-hydrogenase enzyme to O2. Molecular Dynamics modeling has been used along with site-directed mutagenesis to restrict access of O2 to the catalytic site. However, better understanding of the factors that promote H2 production in algae are also being sought by “omics” methods. Significant changes in the transcript levels of many genes associated with algal metabolism, and particularly fermentation, occur when H2 is produced. More detailed knowledge of the metabolic and regulatory context that facilitates H2 production will be necessary to understand and also ultimately eliminate current limitations in H2-production yields. |
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Strategies in Enzymatic Oxidation Catalysis
8:30 AM-12:00 PM, Monday, August 20, 2007 BCEC -- 261, Oral
Catalysis & Surface Science Secretariat |