Projekt

The goal is to construct a molecular device for light-driven production of hydrogen gas. For this purpose two natural enzymes are exploited: photosystem I (PSI), the primary photoreductant in oxygenic photosynthesis, and HydA1, a hydrogen producing [FeFe]-type hydrogenase. Using computational protein design and genetic engineering techniques to introduce specific modifications to HydA1 and PSI, and to add artificial protein extensions an efficient functional interface between the two enzymes will be constructed. This venture is expected to result in a working light-driven hydrogen evolving device, which in the longer run may be combined with a water-oxidizing (photo) catalyst that will replace the exogenous electron donor. Furthermore, general rules and guidelines for designing specific protein-protein interfaces that will allow the generation of effective electron-transfer complexes of any desired kind are envisaged.

• Prof. Dr. Thomas Happe

  Universität Bochum
  Fakultät für Biologie und Biotechnologie
  Lehrstuhl Biochemie der Pflanzen
  AG Photobiotechnologie
  Bochum
  

• Assistant Prof. Dr. Dror Noy, PhD

  Migal - Galilee Research Institute
  Plant Sciences
  Kiryat Shmona
  Israel
  

• Prof. David Baker, PhD

  University of Washington
  Biochemistry Institute
  Seattle, WA
  USA