The biological activation of many small molecules, including hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, typically requires complex metallocofactors within large protein systems.  We are interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which these enzymes coordinate and efficiently transform their substrates.  This presentation will focus on spectroscopic characterization of bioinorganic catalytic intermediates using optical, vibrational, magnetic, and electrochemical techniques.  Complementary experimental and computational studies on model systems will also be presented.  These findings will be discussed in the context of identifying the fundamental principles underlying highly active metalloenzymes and applying those principles towards design of engineered metalloproteins for hydrogen production and oxidation.

Small molecule activation in bioinorganic systems:  From characterization of Nature's active sites to design of next-generation enzymes

248th National Meeting (2014)

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