CAREER: Developing Electrode Interfaces for Bioelectrochemical Synthesis

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $550,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Biochemical reactions often involve the movement of electrons. Often the electrons are transferred between the molecules involved in the reaction. Sometimes, electrons are exchanged with the surrounding environment. Cells have a series of small molecules involved in electron exchange to and from enzymes. These are known as redox cofactors. Reactions that require electrons can be driven by electrons provided by cathodes. The electrons are transferred to the redox cofactors and transported to the enzymes that catalyze electrochemical reactions. A single redox cofactor, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), is used by over half of all redox-active enzymes. Electron transfer from electrodes to NADH is inefficient. The main objectives of this project are to develop new electrode interfaces and design synthetic NADH mimics to enable their selective and rapid regeneration using electricity. In parallel, the project will create new technical training opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals helping to build a talent pipeline aligned with the needs of advanced biomanufacturing. - The objective is to develop a modular platform for electrochemical regeneration of NADH-like cofactors (mNADHs). These mNADHs would be compatible with a broad range of NADH-dependent oxidoreductase enzymes. The project consists of three synergistic aims. The first is to use thermostable NADH dehydrogenases to create mNADHs that can be regenerated via mediated bioelectrocatalysis. The second i

Key facts

NSF award ID
2442214
Awardee
Michigan State University (MI)
SAM.gov UEI
R28EKN92ZTZ9
PI
David Hickey
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, Quantitative sys bio and biotech
Estimated total
$550,000
Funds obligated
$550,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2030