This thesis describes a series of investigations designed to assess the value of metalloenzymes in systems for artificial and adapted photosynthesis. The research presented explores the interplay between inherent enzyme properties such as structure, rates and thermodynamics, and the properties of the semiconducting materials to which the enzyme is attached. Author, Andreas Bachmeier provides a comprehensive introduction to the interdisciplinary field of artificial photosynthesis, allowing the reader to grasp the latest approaches being investigated, from molecular systems to heterogeneous surface catalysis. Bachmeier’s work also uses metalloenzymes to highlight the importance of reversible catalysts in removing the burden of poor electrocatalytic rates and efficiencies which are common characteristics for most artificial photosynthesis systems. Overall, this thesis provides newcomers and students in the field with evidence that metalloenzymes can be used to establish new directions in artificial photosynthesis research.

Reactions catalyzed by metalloenzymes have great potential for applications in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. While only a few of these enzymes have yet been used in such applications, in the last few decades numerous efficient, selective, environmentally friendly and economical synthetic analogues have been described, including supramolecular, polymeric, nanoparticulate and lowmolecular- weight organometallic complexes, and metal organic frameworks. In this Research Topic, we present a collection of original research and review articles that show significant recent advances made in the rational design of such artificial metalloenzymes.

Herein is presented a two-fold examination of artificial photosynthesis as it pertains to catalysis and alternative energy needs. Firstly, mimics of hydrogenase enzymes have been developed that catalyze the conversion of protons and electrons into molecular hydrogen. These catalysts incorporate iron as a replacement for expensive traditional platinum-based catalysts. Success in this endeavor is an important challenge for a conversion to a hydrogen economy, freed from the reliance on fossil fuels. Secondly, catalysts for the reduction of carbon dioxide have been developed, based upon manganese and rhenium. These catalysts show interesting photochemical properties, and advances in this area may lead to developments of alternative fuels and a reduction in pollution caused by traditional fuel methods. The synthesized complexes have been spectroscopically characterized. Catalytic activity was investigated in the presence of a proton source using cyclic voltammetry.

An important reference for researchers in the field of metal-enzyme hybrid catalysis Artificial Metalloenzymes and MetalloDNAzymes in Catalysis offers a comprehensive review of the most current strategies, developed over recent decades, for the design, synthesis, and optimization of these hybrid catalysts as well as material about their application. The contributors—noted experts in the field—present information on the preparation, characterization, and optimization of artificial metalloenzymes in a timely and authoritative manner. The authors present a thorough examination of this interesting new platform for catalysis that combines the excellent selective recognition/binding properties of enzymes with transition metal catalysts. The text includes information on the various applications of metal-enzyme hybrid catalysts for novel reactions, offers insights into the latest advances in the field, and contains an informative perspective on the future: Explores the development of artificial metalloenzymes, the modern and strongly evolving research field on the verge of industrial application Contains a comprehensive reference to the research area of metal-enzyme hybrid catalysis that has experienced tremendous growth in recent years Includes contributions from leading researchers in the field Shows how this new catalysis combines the selective recognition/binding properties of enzymes with transition metal catalysts Written for catalytic chemists, bioinorganic chemists, biochemists, and organic chemists, Artificial Metalloenzymes and MetalloDNAzymes in Catalysis offers a unique reference to the fundamentals, concepts, applications, and the most recent developments for more efficient and sustainable synthesis.

This book describes the fundamental concepts, the latest developments and the outlook of the field of nanozymes (i.e., the catalytic nanomaterials with enzymatic characteristics). As one of today’s most exciting fields, nanozyme research lies at the interface of chemistry, biology, materials science and nanotechnology. Each of the book’s six chapters explores advances in nanozymes. Following an introduction to the rise of nanozymes research in the course of research on natural enzymes and artificial enzymes in Chapter 1, Chapters 2 through 5 discuss different nanomaterials used to mimic various natural enzymes, from carbon-based and metal-based nanomaterials to metal oxide-based nanomaterials and other nanomaterials. In each of these chapters, the nanomaterials’ enzyme mimetic activities, catalytic mechanisms and key applications are covered. In closing, Chapter 6 addresses the current challenges and outlines further directions for nanozymes. Presenting extensive information on nanozymes and supplemented with a wealth of color illustrations and tables, the book offers an ideal guide for readers from disparate areas, including analytical chemistry, materials science, nanoscience and nanotechnology, biomedical and clinical engineering, environmental science and engineering, green chemistry, and novel catalysis.

This book review series presents current trends in modern biotechnology. The aim is to cover all aspects of this interdisciplinary technology where knowledge, methods and expertise are required from chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, chemical engineering and computer science. Volumes are organized topically and provide a comprehensive discussion of developments in the respective field over the past 3-5 years. The series also discusses new discoveries and applications. Special volumes are dedicated to selected topics which focus on new biotechnological products and new processes for their synthesis and purification. In general, special volumes are edited by well-known guest editors. The series editor and publisher will however always be pleased to receive suggestions and supplementary information. Manuscripts are accepted in English.

The observation of Nature is an inexhaustible source of inspiration to promote innovations in chemistry. The bioinspired approach is a revolution in our paradigms because it is not based on what we can take to nature, but on what we can learn from it. Enzymatic systems involved in solar energy conversion (photosystem), hydrogen production (hydrogenases), dioxygen activation (oxydases et oxygenases), CO₂ reduction (CO dehydrogenase) use abundant and cheap starting material such as O₂, H₂O and CO₂. Inspiration of these biological systems is a solution to make our chemical processes greener. These are some of the many challenges that bioinspired chemistry is able to take up.A number of the recent developments in bioinspired chemistry are discussed, including some descriptions on the biological systems that are the source of inspiration. This book is a guide to where bioinspired chemistry will be in the near future and provides a thoughtful perspective on how bioinspiration could change our world.

The interplay between Geology and Biology has shaped the Earth from the early Precambrian, 4 billion years ago. Moving beyond the borders of the classical core disciplines, Geobiology strives to identify chains of cause-and-effect and synergisms between the geo- and the biospheres that have been driving the evolution of life in modern and ancient environments. Combining modern methods, geobiological information can be extracted not only from visible remains of organisms, but also from organic molecules, rock fabrics, minerals, isotopes and other tracers. An understanding of these processes and their signatures reveals enormous applied potentials with respect to issues of environment protection, public health, energy and resource management. The Encyclopedia of Geobiology has been designed to act as a key reference for students, researchers, teachers, and the informed public and to provide basic, but comprehensible knowledge on this rapidly expanding discipline that sits at the interface between modern geo- and biosciences.

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Immobilized Biocatalysts" that was published in Catalysts