Enzyme that converts air into energy could power small devices

Recently published research nature magazine The discovery of an enzyme called ‘was demonstrated by Australian scientists.huck‘ can convert air into energy. It uses a small amount of hydrogen from the air to create an electric current.

under his leadership Rhys Grinter, Ashleigh Kropp This Chris greeningrelated to Monash University Biomedicine Discovery InstituteIn Melbourne, Australia, the scientists conducted their research based on a hydrogen-consuming enzyme derived from a common bacteria found in the soil.

Recent work by the research team has shown that many bacteria use atmospheric hydrogen as an energy source in nutrient-poor environments to help them survive and grow. “We didn’t know how they did it until now!” Greening said. said.

Huck enzyme

The newly discovered enzyme called huck allows bacteria Mycobacteria smegmatis They thrive in extreme, nutrient-poor environments, drawing energy from atmospheric hydrogen.

According to microbiologist Rhys Grinter, biometric sensors can power small portable devices like digital watches and calculators using air. And if the hydrogen concentration is higher, it can generate more electrical current and become a potential source of energy for larger devices such as smartwatches, smartphones and even cars.

To isolate the enzyme, the scientists used chromatography, which separates the components of a mixture and sends electrons to a frozen sample. huckThey also mapped the enzyme’s atomic structure and electrical pathways.

This allowed them to discover that the active site was. huck It contains nickel and iron ions that capture hydrogen molecules and remove their electrons, thereby creating a flow of electrons to produce an electric current.

Other experiments have also shown that the enzyme can survive freezing or heating to 80°C (176°F), remains stable over time, and can consume hydrogen at very low concentrations.

“Huc is extraordinarily efficient,” says Rhys Grinter, lead author of the study. “Unlike all other known enzymes and chemical catalysts, it even consumes hydrogen below atmospheric levels – only 0.00005% of the air we breathe.”

With the development of research, Grinter says, Huc-based technology should be able to provide a source of clean energy at competitive prices. A great find for the field of science.