MIT Associate Professor Daniel Suess is on a mission to unlock the secrets of ancient enzymes that can help combat climate change. By studying how cells in the past performed reactions such as transferring electrons, Suess hopes to devise new ways to capture carbon from the atmosphere or develop alternative fuels.
Suess’ work focuses on metalloproteins, which are proteins with metals at their active sites. These enzymes play a crucial role in cellular metabolic processes and can be used to speed up difficult chemical reactions. One such enzyme is iron-iron hydrogenase, found mainly in anaerobic bacteria, including those that live in the human digestive tract.
Suess’ lab takes two approaches to study these metalloenzymes. They create synthetic versions of the proteins with fewer metal atoms, allowing for greater control over their composition and shape. Alternatively, they use natural versions of the protein but substitute one of the metal atoms with an isotope, making it easier to analyze using spectroscopic techniques.
By understanding how these enzymes perform reactions, researchers may be able to find new ways to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or convert nitrogen gas to ammonia. The Haber Bosch process used to synthesize fertilizer produces huge amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. Suess’ work aims to shed light on the chemical principles that underlie processes not reliant on burning carbon.
Suess believes that studying ancient enzymes can help us develop new ways to wire biological catalysts for efficient reactions that impact society. His research is part of a broader effort to explore chemistry and its applications in addressing climate change.
Source: https://news.mit.edu/2025/drawing-inspiration-ancient-chemical-reactions-daniel-suess-0320