From biofuels to biotherapeutics - Engineering metalloenzymes for a better future

Microbiology Seminar Series

  • Datum: 12.08.2019
  • Uhrzeit: 13:15
  • Vortragender: Dr. Johannes Georg Rebelein
  • University Basel, Department of Chemistry
  • Ort: MPI for Terrestrial Microbiology
  • Raum: Lecture hall
  • Gastgeber: Prof. Dr. Tobias Erb
  • Kontakt: toerb@mpi-marburg.mpg.de

Biotic metalloclusters catalyse some of the most challenging reactions known in nature, including the reduction of molecular nitrogen to ammonia and the reduction of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide to hydrocarbons. Going beyond natural enzymes, we can use the chemistry toolbox to expand the catalytic repertoire of enzymes by anchoring synthetic metal complexes within a protein scaffold. These so-called artificial metalloenzymes combine attractive features of chemical and biological catalysts, allowing us to introduce new-to-nature reactions to biology. Engineering natural and artificial metalloenzymes offers solutions for pressing issues that range from fertilizer formation and fuel production to novel cancer treatment modalities. This talk will highlight my work on nitrogenases, artificial metalloenzymes and strategies I pursue to address outstanding issues in the biomedical and energy sector.

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