In metal containing biological catalysts, it is the protein matrix surrounding the metal centres which provides the unique environment for the Fe and Ni atoms, allowing hydrogenases to function properly, selectively, and effectively.  Therefore, the main goal of our basic research is to understand the protein-metal interaction. 

The problem is not simple to address, as some of the methods for scientific investigation provide information on the metal atoms themselves without directly observing the protein matrix around them. Other modern techniques at our disposal reveal details of the protein core, but do not expose the metal centres within. A combination of these two approaches, i.e., molecular biology and biophysics, is expected to uncover the fine molecular details of the catalytic action of metalloenzymes.

HYPERTHERMOPHILES

One of the purple photosynthetic bacteria (Thiocapsa roseopersicina) contains a hydrogenase, which displays outstanding stability among enzymes possessing the same catalytic function. Heat stability does not provide an advantage for the bacterium in its natural, cold-water marine environment. Understanding, through molecular biological studies, the physiological properties and the molecular factors that stabilize this hydrogenase is expected to help design various enzymes equipped with resistance to the inactivating effect of high temperature, oxygen, and/or proteolytic attack for future biotechnological use.  Random and site directed deletion mutagenesis studies revealed the presence of three other hydrogenases in this organism, thus, T. roseopersicina contains representatives of each NiFe hydrogenase classes known today. Thus, this bacterium offers unique possibilities to study hydrogenase organisation, assembly and regulation of biosynthesis in a single species.  The genome of T. roseopersicina is being sequenced in a collaborative effort and a proteomic approach has been launched in order to understand the complex problem.

Hyperthermophilic microorganisms grow above 80^oC and cannot multiply below 70^oC.  By definition, enzymes operating in these unusual creatures are heat stable, therefore, they offer an obvious advantage for biotechnological applications.  In their chemolithotroph mode of growth, hydrogen metabolism plays a crucial role.  We have developed a novel technique to study their microbiology, molecular biology and genetics.

A clear view of the methane and hydrogen metabolism in methanotrophs will be significant for advancing molecular enzymology as well as for practical utilization of methanotrophs to produce alternative energy sources and environmental protection and remediation, improving the general quality of life. 

Figure 1. Strategies for biohydrogen production.

Among the alternative energy carriers, hydrogen is preferred. Hydrogen can be produced in biological processes: solar energy captured by the photosynthetic apparatus is converted into chemical energy through water splitting; the reaction forms oxygen and can also produce hydrogen. Upon utilization, these components are combined to form water, and energy is released in a cycle driven by the practically unlimited and safe energy source of the Sun. 

In addition to offering an alternative for the global energy crisis, biologically produced hydrogen may also serve as reductant for numerous microbiological activities of environmental significance. A combination of hazardous waste disposal with biohydrogen production has been demonstrated using keratin rich waste. In a two-stage fermentation system keratin has been efficiently converted to hydrogen and microbial biomass.

Biogas.This principle has been employed in the complex microbiological series of events that leads to biogas formation.  Biogas formation is intensified through the microbiological manipulation of the intermediate hydrogen production steps according to our patented procedure. The method has been tested in field experiments at a landfill site and in a waste water sludge treatment plant.