The enzyme nitrogenase: unique skills for a sustainable biotechnology

Nitrogenase catalyses one of nature's most difficult reactions, the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium - a biological fertiliser. Last year, we were able to resolve the exact structure of the iron nitrogenase. We also discovered that it catalyses even more. Not only does it convert nitrogen, but it can also convert the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO₂) into hydrocarbons. This means that nitrogenases open up new opportunities not only for the sustainable production of fertilisers, but also for the conversion of carbon waste into basic chemical compounds and fuels.