Researchers from the Biozentrum of the University of Basel and the universities of Frankfurt am Main and Marburg have broken down an enzyme in a bacterium that ensures that carbon dioxide (CO2) is efficiently bound. The scientists hope this opens up new ways to store harmful greenhouse gases.
According to the Basel Biozentrum, the enzyme HDCR forms formic acid from gaseous hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). This enables efficient and long-term storage of CO2, which could be important in view of the worsening climate crisis. The research results have been published in the scientific journal “Nature”.
The enzyme HDCR comes from the bacterium Thermoanaerobacter kivui, which was only discovered in 1981 in Lake Kiwu in Central Africa. The heat-loving bacterium lives far away from oxygen, even in hot underwater wells in the deep sea. It thrives optimally at just below 70 degrees Celsius, feeds only on gases and can build cellular material from only carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
Special structure of the degraded enzyme
The researchers have now succeeded in deciphering the specific structure of the enzyme. According to the broadcast, it consists of unusually long and intertwined so-called filaments. The researchers report that this thread-like structure clearly functions as an electron-conducting nanowire, which is responsible for the rapid bonding of the two gases.
This chemical reaction is carried out more efficiently in this enzyme than in all chemical catalysts known to date. “The structures in HDCR show us new ways to bind CO2 and use hydrogen as an energy source,” said Ben Engel, research group leader at the Basel Biozentrum.
The results would also illustrate the importance of basic science research on various biological organisms, Engel continued. Because: “Nature is full of surprising surprises.”
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
