Volume 15, Issue 15 e202300491
Review

Insights from Enzymatic Catalysis: A Path towards Bioinspired High-Performance Electrocatalysts

Dr. Graziela C. Sedenho

Dr. Graziela C. Sedenho

São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida Trabalhador São-carlense, 400, São Carlos, SP 13566-590 Brazil

These authors equally contributed to this work.

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Dr. Rafael N. P. Colombo

Dr. Rafael N. P. Colombo

São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida Trabalhador São-carlense, 400, São Carlos, SP 13566-590 Brazil

These authors equally contributed to this work.

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Prof. Frank N. Crespilho

Corresponding Author

Prof. Frank N. Crespilho

São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida Trabalhador São-carlense, 400, São Carlos, SP 13566-590 Brazil

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First published: 14 June 2023
Citations: 2

Graphical Abstract

Metalloenzymes are exceptional catalysts for redox reactions with technological applications. The chemical environment of the active metal centers at the three-dimensional pockets plays a crucial role in lowering the activation energy of a catalytic reaction. This aspect should be considered inthe development of high-performance bioinspired electrocatalysts.

Abstract

Enzymes, especially some metalloenzymes, are exceptional catalysts for redox reactions with technological applications in several fields, including energy conversion systems and producing fuels and value-added chemicals. Because of that, they have inspired the development of synthetic catalysts to obtain high-performance materials. However, several fundamental aspects should be better understood to achieve this goal, such as enzyme catalysis and the role of the three-dimensional catalytic site. Therefore, this review addresses key structural and activity aspects of some remarkable metalloenzymes and discusses three-dimensional catalysis as an approach to enzyme catalysis. Also, the case of the multicopper oxidase enzymes is shown as an example of how the three-dimensional coordination environment of the copper ions in the active site can impact catalysis.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.