Semiartificial CO₂ Fixation Using Metal-Dependent Formate Dehydrogenase

Area of Science:

• Biohybrid systems
• Solar chemistry
• Enzymology

Background:

• Semiartificial photosynthesis combines synthetic light absorbers with biological catalysts for solar energy conversion.
• Formate dehydrogenases (Fdhs) are key enzymes for converting carbon dioxide (CO2), protons, and electrons into formate, a crucial metabolic intermediate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the use of metal-dependent formate dehydrogenases (Fdhs) in semiartificial photosynthesis.
• To highlight advancements in biohybrid systems for CO2-to-formate conversion.
• To guide future research at the intersection of enzymology, photo(electro)chemistry, and materials science.

Main Methods:

• Examination of structural, mechanistic, and redox properties of molybdenum- and tungsten-dependent Fdhs.
• Analysis of biotic-abiotic interfaces in functional biohybrid systems.
• Review of (photo)electrochemical and photochemical systems utilizing Fdhs for CO2 fixation.

Main Results:

• Metal-dependent Fdhs are effectively wired to electrodes and synthetic light absorbers in semiartificial photosynthesis.
• Advanced interfacial characterization techniques are crucial for optimizing enzyme loading and charge carrier dynamics.
• Significant progress has been made in CO2-to-formate conversion using Fdhs as model catalysts.

Conclusions:

• Semiartificial photosynthesis with Fdhs offers a promising route for solar chemistry and CO2 utilization.
• Understanding and engineering biotic-abiotic interfaces is critical for efficient biohybrid system performance.
• Further research is needed to overcome challenges in enzyme stability and system integration for practical applications.