Micromotor-Based Biomimetic Carbon Dioxide Sequestration: Towards Mobile Microscrubbers

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2015 Oct 26;54(44):12900-4. doi: 10.1002/anie.201505155. Epub 2015 Sep 4.

Abstract

We describe a mobile CO2 scrubbing platform that offers a greatly accelerated biomimetic sequestration based on a self-propelled carbonic anhydrase (CA) functionalized micromotor. The CO2 hydration capability of CA is coupled with the rapid movement of catalytic micromotors, and along with the corresponding fluid dynamics, results in a highly efficient mobile CO2 scrubbing microsystem. The continuous movement of CA and enhanced mass transport of the CO2 substrate lead to significant improvements in the sequestration efficiency and speed over stationary immobilized or free CA platforms. This system is a promising approach to rapid and enhanced CO2 sequestration platforms for addressing growing concerns over the buildup of greenhouse gas.

Keywords: carbon dioxide; carbonic anhydrase; enzymes; greenhouse gases; micromotors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocatalysis
  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry
  • Biomimetic Materials / metabolism*
  • Carbon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Carbon Dioxide / metabolism*
  • Carbonic Anhydrases / chemistry
  • Carbonic Anhydrases / metabolism*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Carbonic Anhydrases