Bioelectrochemical systems

Nature has developed sophisticated strategies for activating and converting small molecules. Drawing inspiration from these natural systems and integrating electrochemistry enables us to harness the efficiency and selectivity of biological processes, enhancing our understanding of natural mechanisms.

Our group focuses on investigating active site mimics of [FeFe] hydrogenases, synthesizing and modifying the [FeFe] hydrogenase active site for collaborations with other research teams to uncover the mechanisms of hydrogenase enzymes. Additionally, we couple enzymatic cascades with electrocatalytic processes like hydrogen evolution to synthesize valuable chemicals, such as N-heterocycles.

Our recent projects explore combining electrochemical cells with bioreactors for microbial production of methane and other biofuels. We are particularly interested in using wastewater as both a microbial nutrient source and an electrolyte.

Publications

Yadav, S.; Haas, R.; Boydas, E.; Roemelt, M.; Happe, T.; Apfel, U.-P.; Stripp, S. T.; Apfel, U.-P. Oxygen Sensitivity of [FeFe]-Hydrogenase: A Comparative Study of Active Site Mimics Inside vs Outside the Enzyme. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics [ISSN: 1463-9076] 2024. https://doi.org/10.1039/d3cp06048a

Rad, R.; Gehring, T.; Pellumbi, K.; Siegmund, D.; Nettmann, E.; Wichern, M.; Apfel, U.-P. A Hybrid Bioelectrochemical System Coupling a Zero-Gap Cell and a Methanogenic Reactor for Carbon Dioxide Reduction Using a Wastewater-Derived Catholyte. Cell reports Physical science 2023, 4 (8). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2023.101526

Kleinhaus, J. T.; Wittkamp, F.; Yadav, S.; Siegmund, D.; Apfel, U.-P. [FeFe]-Hydrogenases: Maturation and Reactivity of Enzymatic Systems and Overview of Biomimetic Models. Chemical Society reviews / Royal Society of Chemistry 2020, 50 (3), 1668–1784. https://doi.org/10.1039/d0cs01089h

Al‐Shameri A, Petrich MC, Junge Puring K, Apfel UP, Nestl BM, Lauterbach L (2020) Powering artificial enzymatic cascades with electrical energy. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 59(27):10929-33. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202001302