Life Science and Technology News
Enzymatic hydrogen production by photoenergy conversion
The Department has a variety of laboratories for Life Science and Technology, in which cutting-edge innovative research is being undertaken not only in basic science and engineering but also in the areas of medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, and multidisciplinary sciences.
This "Spotlight" series features a laboratory from the Department and introduces you to the laboratory's research projects and outcomes. This time we focus on Asakura Laboratory.
Life Science and Technology
Associate Professor Noriyuki Asakura
Degree | PhD 2003, Tokyo Institute of Technology |
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Areas of Research | Bioelectrochemistry, Photochemistry, Bioenergetics |
Keywords | Electron transfer, Redox proteins, Metalloenzymes, Bioinorganic chemistry |
Website | Asakura Laboratory (Japanese) |
Electron transfer are elementary biological processes, and play an important role in various biological process. There is intense interest in understanding the ways in which life makes use of energy by engaging in electron transfer reactions. Biological energy productions are summarized in one of the fuel cell which interconvert chemical and electrical energy. The fuels are glucose from our meals every day and oxygen from breathing. Both of oxidation of glucose to CO2 and reduction of oxygen to H2O via 24 electrons generate the cell voltage of ca. 1 V.
A major focus is on an electron transfer reaction of enzymes and redox proteins related to the biological energy production. Our group use electrochemistry to control redox states of redox-active proteins and simultaneously use spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance, or probe microscopy to exploit the important and exquisite electron transfer reactions.
We also have interest in photoenergy conversion into fuels, are developing application of enzyme catalysis for energy production systems. Solar cells allow the energy of the sun light to be converted into electricity, but a major challenge that still remains is the photo-conversion into fuels. We have developed photoinduced hydrogen evolution system with hydrogenase which catalyze proton reduction.
Associate Professor Noriyuki Asakura
Room 301C, M6 building, Ookayama campus
E-mail : asakura.n.aa@m.titech.ac.jp
*Find more about the lab and the latest activities at the lab site (Japanese).