Selective Electroenzymatic Oxyfunctionalization by Alkane Monooxygenase in a Biofuel Cell

Area of Science:

• Biocatalysis
• Electrosynthesis
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Traditional alkane functionalization relies on harsh conditions and rare metals.
• Alkane monooxygenase (alkB) offers selective, mild alkane oxyfunctionalization.
• Developing sustainable methods for synthesizing high-value aliphatic intermediates is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an electrosynthetic system for alkane oxyfunctionalization using an alkB biocathode.
• To demonstrate the production of alcohols, epoxides, and sulfoxides.
• To create a bioelectrochemical system for simultaneous oxyfunctionalization and electricity generation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an alkB biocathode for bioelectrochemical alkane oxyfunctionalization.
• Coupled the alkB biocathode with a hydrogenase bioanode.
• Employed H2 as a clean fuel source in enzymatic fuel cells.

Main Results:

• Successfully produced alcohols, epoxides, and sulfoxides via bioelectrochemical hydroxylation, epoxidation, and sulfoxidation.
• Demonstrated the protective capacity of the alkB binding pocket for internal functional groups.
• Developed and characterized enzymatic fuel cells capable of concurrent oxyfunctionalization and electricity generation.

Conclusions:

• The alkB biocathode provides a sustainable and efficient platform for alkane oxyfunctionalization.
• Bioelectrosynthesis offers a greener alternative to conventional chemical methods for producing valuable intermediates.
• Enzymatic fuel cells integrating biocatalysis present a promising avenue for clean energy and chemical synthesis.