Chemists turn "air" into protein

Biochemists have discovered an enzyme that converts carbon dioxide into air and alcohol into molecules of methionine, which are "molecules of life." Scientists have published the results of their study in the journal Nature Catalysis, says Arne Skiera of the Munich University of Technology: "Compared to photosynthesis, the closest natural analogy to this process, our idea seems simple and more civilized.The efficiency of the process does not exceed 20%, while what we suggest we need only two protein stimuli. "

Scientists have been trying in recent years to find a way to convert carbon dioxide in the air into biofuels and other useful materials. For example, in July 2017, Chicago physicists designed a solar battery that uses direct light energy to separate carbon dioxide and produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Months later, scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory created a catalyst that converts carbon dioxide to ethyl alcohol.

All of these innovations help turn the air into alcohol and other useful materials by ensuring a "green fuel" and cheap sources of raw materials for the chemical industry.

Skiera and his colleagues added to these inventions, designing the conversion of carbon dioxide into "molecules of life". This process was discovered by the German physicist Felix Erlich in 1903. Since then, scientists have been trying to adapt it to produce different types of alcohol, revealing the mystery of its effect on the body.

Scientists believe that the majority of enzymes involved in the Erlich series can accelerate reverse reactions if their structure is somewhat modified. On this basis, scientists have tried to force two proteins, not to dissolve amino acids into alcohol and carbon dioxide, but to collect their molecules (amino acids) from these components. They succeeded in their attempts and got the methionine compound, which is currently added to the feed of livestock and poultry.

Scientists believe that their method will help produce other amino acids and, in theory, will allow food to come out directly from the air using only water, carbon dioxide, carbon and catalysts.

Source: Novosti