Synthesis of the H-cluster framework of iron-only hydrogenase.
The metal-sulphur active sites of hydrogenases catalyse hydrogen evolution or uptake at rapid rates. Understanding the structure and function of these active sites--through mechanistic studies of hydrogenases, synthetic assemblies and in silico models--will help guide the design of new materials for hydrogen production or uptake. Here we report the assembly of the iron-sulphur framework of the active site of iron-only hydrogenase (the H-cluster), and show that it functions as an electrocatalyst for proton reduction. Through linking of a di-iron subsite to a {4Fe4S} cluster, we achieve the first synthesis of a metallosulphur cluster core involved in small-molecule catalysis. In addition to advancing our understanding of the natural biological system, the availability of an active, free-standing analogue of the H-cluster may enable us to develop useful electrocatalytic materials for application in, for example, reversible hydrogen fuel cells. (Platinum is currently the preferred electrocatalyst for such applications, but is expensive, limited in availability and, in the long term, unsustainable.).
Tard
Cédric
C
Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK.
Liu
Xiaoming
X
Ibrahim
Saad K
SK
Bruschi
Maurizio
M
De Gioia
Luca
L
Davies
Siân C
SC
Yang
Xin
X
Wang
Lai-Sheng
LS
Sawers
Gary
G
Pickett
Christopher J
CJ
D001665:Binding Sites; D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D002384:Catalysis; D003013:Clostridium / Q000201:enzymology; D045285:Desulfovibrio desulfuricans / Q000201:enzymology; D004563:Electrochemistry; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000737:chemistry*; D006864:Hydrogenase / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D007501:Iron / Q000737:chemistry*; D007506:Iron-Sulfur Proteins / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D008958:Models, Molecular; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D011522:Protons; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013455:Sulfur / Q000737:chemistry
D007506:Iron-Sulfur Proteins; D011522:Protons; D013455:Sulfur; D006859:Hydrogen; D007501:Iron; D006864:Hydrogenase