Engineered metallobiocatalysts for energy–relevant reactions

Abstract

Engineering metallobiocatalysts is a promising approach to addressing challenges in energy-relevant electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. The design freedom provided by semisynthetic and fully synthetic approaches to catalyst design allows researchers to demonstrate how structural modifications can improve selectivity and activity of biocatalysts. Furthermore, the provision of a superstructure in many metallobiocatalysts facilitates active-site microenvironment engineering. Recurring themes include the role of the biomolecular scaffold in enhancing reactivity in water and catalyst robustness, the impact of the outer sphere on reactivity, and the importance of tuning system components in full system optimization. In this perspective, recent strategies to design and modify novel biocatalysts, understand proton and electron transfer mechanisms, and tune system activity by modifying catalysts and system conditions are highlighted within the field of energy-related catalysis. Opportunities in this field include developing robust structure–function relationships to support approaches to engineering second-sphere interactions and identifying ways to enhance biocatalyst activity over time.