Goals and Progress in the Biocatalyst Interactions with Gases (BIG) Collaboration

The Biocatalyst Interactions with Gases (BIG) Collaboration between North Carolina State University (NCSU) and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is investigating fundamental gas-enzyme-interface interactions for three life-essential gas conversion reactions: 1) conversion of CO2 to bicarbonate catalyzed by carbonic anhydrase for carbon capture, 2) reduction of CO2 to formate catalyzed by formate dehydrogenase (FDH) for carbon utilization, and 3) reduction of N2 to ammonia catalyzed by nitrogenase, the central reaction in nitrogen fixation. Our goals are to build basic knowledge and technology platforms for gas phase enzyme reactions and to explore the feasibility of enzyme-based processes for gas molecule transformations. Addressing these challenges requires expertise, collaboration and knowledge sharing across many disciplines. We hosted this Technology Translation Virtual Event to share findings from our team as well as highlight the efforts of distinguished researchers in this field, with the goal of inspiring increased curiosity, networking and support that will advance these technologies. We envision that enhancing biocatalyst interactions with gases by minimizing reaction barriers near immobilized enzyme interfaces will ultimately lead to replacements of critical chemical processes with enzymatic approaches that contribute to global sustainability solutions.