Peroxidases Engineering for Bio-Electrochemical Systems (BES)

Peroxidases are essential biocatalysts used in Bio-electrochemical Systems (BES), serving as highly efficient cathode or anode materials in enzymatic fuel cells and biosensors, offering a sustainable alternative to the use of expensive metal catalysts (Pt). However, the commercial viability of peroxidase-based electrodes is severely limited by low stability and rapid deactivation when exposed to the electrode surface, and critically, poor electron transfer efficiency between the enzyme and the electrode material.

Our specialized enzyme engineering services are dedicated to resolving these interfacial and stability challenges. Our core objectives include: Rational Design for site-specific enzyme immobilization to prolong operational life; engineering the enzyme to integrate seamlessly with redox polymers for enhanced electron transfer; and improving stability against chemical degradation (e.g., from reactive intermediates). Consult with our experts to design a customized strategy that guarantees high-performance, long-lasting enzymatic electrodes.

Challenges in Peroxidase Electrode Engineering

The successful deployment of Peroxidases in bio-electrochemical devices is restricted by these critical limitations:

• Rapid Electrode Deactivation: Enzymes typically undergo denaturation or irreversible binding upon contact with the electrode surface, leading to a short operational half-life.
• Poor Electron Transfer: Achieving direct, efficient electronic communication between the deep-seated heme active site and the electrode is challenging, often requiring expensive or complex mediators.
• Low Current Density: The resulting poor electron transfer and low catalytic stability lead to current densities that are insufficient for many practical applications.
• Chemical Instability: Peroxidases are often susceptible to deactivation by reactive intermediates or inhibitors present in the operating environment.

Our engineering platforms are dedicated to resolving these complex interfacial and operational stability problems for high-power BES.

Engineering Focus: Enhanced Stability and Electron Transfer

We apply integrated protein engineering strategies to enhance your target Peroxidase:

Site-Specific Immobilization

             

Using Rational Design to introduce specific surface residues for directional and stable covalent linking to the electrode surface.

Enhanced Electron Transfer

Engineering specific attachment points for integration with redox polymers, facilitating efficient and high-flux mediated electron transfer (MET).

Chemical and Operational Stability

Improving the stability against chemical degradation, H2O2 intermediates, and high temperatures inherent in BES operation.

Maximized Catalytic Activity

Advanced optimization services to increase the turnover rate of the peroxidase, boosting the achievable current density of the electrode.

Our experts are ready to apply these integrated capabilities to your specific bio-fuel cell or biosensor electrode development project.

Technology Platforms for Peroxidase Electrode Engineering

We leverage a suite of cutting-edge platforms to deliver highly functional enzyme variants:

Computational Rational Design (CARD)

Using structural bioinformatics to predict and design optimal surface residues for directional immobilization and redox polymer grafting.

Directed Evolution for Operating Life

We utilize integrated evolution workflows, employing screening under continuous electrochemical operation to select for variants with extended half-life on the electrode.

Discovery of High-Potential Peroxidases

We leverage AI-driven discovery and metagenomic analysis to identify naturally robust peroxidases from thermophilic or high-stress environments.

Electrochemical Characterization

We offer full characterization, including cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and operational stability testing on the final electrode platform.

Enzyme Immobilization and Formulation

Specialized immobilization services and formulation development to maximize enzyme loading and stability on various electrode materials (e.g., carbon nanotubes, gold).

Partner with us to harness these platforms for next-generation bio-electrochemical energy devices.

Project Flow: Peroxidase Electrode Optimization Workflow

Our enzyme optimization projects follow a flexible, milestone-driven workflow:

• Consultation and Goal Definition: Initial discussion to define target current density, operational half-life, and required stability against chemical inhibitors or temperature.
• Design Strategy Proposal: We propose a tailored strategy involving Rational Design (for immobilization tags) and/or Directed Evolution (for stability), outlining the predicted timeframe.
• Library Construction and Screening: We execute mutagenesis and employ HTS platforms optimized for rapid electrochemical activity and stability screening on model electrode surfaces.
• Iterative Optimization & Profiling: Successive rounds of evolution focus on maximizing electron transfer efficiency (current density) and operational longevity under continuous load.
• Final Deliverables: Delivery of the final enzyme variant along with detailed electrochemical, kinetic, and operational stability reports ready for electrode fabrication.

Technical communication is maintained throughout the project. We encourage potential clients to initiate a consultation to discuss their specific fuel cell or biosensor requirements and explore how our technologies can achieve their desired power output and lifetime.

We provide comprehensive support, including:

• Detailed Electrochemical Data (e.g., CVs, Amperometry), Operational Stability (Half-life), and Kinetic Reports.
• Consultation on surface modification chemistry and optimal co-polymer selection for electron transfer.
• Experimental reports include complete raw data on mutagenesis libraries, electrochemical screening results, and immobilization protocols.