Advancing Biotechnologies for Fuel Generation: Exploiting Transmembrane Cytochromes for Solar Energy Conversion
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Astbury Centre
Abstract
Solar energy is our most abundant energy source and has enormous potential as a clean and economical energy supply. We wish to tap into this under-utilised source of power and address the direct conversion of solar energy to a renewable fuel; a major technological challenge of our time. This PhD project will use Synthetic Biology principles to mimic the principles of plant photosynthesis. Hybrid systems will be designed and build in which light-harvesting nanoparticles (e.g., TiO2 or quantum dots) are coupled to redox-active proteins and enzymes, combining the catalytic specificity of enzymes with the photo-stability and light-harvesting capabilities of semi-conducting nanoparticles for fuel production.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M011151/1 | 01/10/2015 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 1827308 | Studentship | BB/M011151/1 | 01/10/2015 | 30/09/2019 |
| Description | The research has demonstrated a proof-of-concept that a conductive membrane protein can be coupled to inorganic light harvesting nano-particles, and thus use light energy to drive chemical reactions within a nano-compartment. Several ways of have been attempted on introducing hydrogen evolving catalysts within these proof-of-concept nano-compartments and work has been carried out aiming to map interaction of a conductive protein (MtrC) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles. |
| Exploitation Route | The findings explore some ways to combine different materials (inorganic, organic and biological) into nano-compartments for converting solar energy to chemical energy. Further research is required to incorporate fuel producing catalyst. In addition, further characterization of the benefits and drawbacks of the energy transfer across the membrane should be made and compared with other nano-structured systems in order to increase the efficiency of solar to fuel energy conversion. The findings also relate to use of light energy to power an encapsulated reaction, which could potentially be further developed for chemical synthesis within chemical nano-reactors. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Energy,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | Caroline Ajo-Franklin |
| Organisation | Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | We provided materials (protein and nanoparticles) to study their interactions and binding. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partners provided expertise and the equipment to study and identify interactions between our particles and protein. |
| Impact | This collaboration has yielded in a successful visit and another upcoming visit to collect data. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | UEA (MtrCAB) and UC (CQDs) |
| Organisation | University of Cambridge |
| Department | Department of Chemistry |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This collaboration is a continuation of already existing collaboration between our research labs. As part of collaboration I have attended meetings and shared my data and expertise. |
| Collaborator Contribution | As part of this collaboration my partners have attended meetings and shared their expertise of protein purification and nanoparticles. My partners have also provided me with a purified cytochrome protein and synthesized nano-particles. |
| Impact | This is a multi-disciplinary collaboration joining expertise from chemistry, biochemistry and bio-nano interface science. These collaboration has also resulted in a publication (doi: 10.1039/C8FD00163D ). |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | UEA (MtrCAB) and UC (CQDs) |
| Organisation | University of East Anglia |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This collaboration is a continuation of already existing collaboration between our research labs. As part of collaboration I have attended meetings and shared my data and expertise. |
| Collaborator Contribution | As part of this collaboration my partners have attended meetings and shared their expertise of protein purification and nanoparticles. My partners have also provided me with a purified cytochrome protein and synthesized nano-particles. |
| Impact | This is a multi-disciplinary collaboration joining expertise from chemistry, biochemistry and bio-nano interface science. These collaboration has also resulted in a publication (doi: 10.1039/C8FD00163D ). |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Discovery Zone |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The Discovery Zone is an event run by primarily postgraduate students and researchers. the event gives local Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils the opportunity to try hands-on science in a whistle-stop session of science exploration. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017 |
| URL | http://www.fbs.leeds.ac.uk/outreach/schools/lfos.php |