Molecular Biomimetics

Research in Molecular Biomimetics is interdisciplinary and lies at the interface between biology, physics and chemistry. Our strategy is to connect fundamental studies with application-oriented research to facilitate innovations that promote the transition to a sustainable society.

The focus of Molecular Biomimetics lies in understanding and adapting/mimicking biological reactions that convert solar energy into fuels or high-value products. Specific examples of our research topics include:

•  Electron and proton transfer in biological systems.
•  Energy conversion in natural photosynthesis.
•  Mechanistic studies of hydrogenases and nitrogenases.
•  Enzyme design and production of artificial enzymes in vitro and in vivo.
• Synthesis and characterization of molecular and material-based catalysts for CO₂ and N₂ reduction, H₂-formation/oxidation, and water oxidation.
•  Assembly and testing of devices for solar or electrical energy storage in fuels
•  Develop and analyze photosynthetic microorganisms for biotechnological applications.

In Molecular Biomimetics, we study important biological reactions down to the molecular level in order to adapt or mimic their principles for developing processes for the sustainable production of solar fuels and chemicals.

Due to the breadth of topics and techniques, our program encompasses two units: Biophysical and Bioinorganic Chemistry (BBC) and Microbial Chemistry (MC), with their respective Chemistry PhD study subjects with specialization in Molecular Biomimetics or Microbial Chemistry.

Biomimetics, also known as Biomimicry, is a growing field that employs Natures time-tested materials, structures, processes and organization principles for furthering the development of sustainable societies. Of special interest to us is artificial photosynthesis, the field of mimicking structures, function and results of natural photosynthesis. The webpage of the Swedish Consortium for Artificial Photosynthesis at solarfuels.se has additional information of our work in this field.

More information

• Interesting TED talks include those of Jenine Benyus and Michael Pawlyn.
• In addition, asknature.org provides a repository with examples of fascinating natural processes and resulting technical applications.
   

Research groups within Molecular biomimetics