Nitrogenasen: Vielfältige Katalysatoren für eine nachhaltige Bioökonomie?

Nitrogenases are the only enzymes that reduce molecular nitrogen (N₂) to ammonia. Recently, we could demonstrate that nitrogenases also reduce the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO₂), suggesting CO₂ to be substrate. Indeed, the iron nitrogenase reduces CO₂ into formate and CH₄ under physiological conditions. Based on Rhodobacter capsulatus, we could establish a light-driven formation of these products, which serve as substrates for other microbes and feedstock chemicals for a green economy.