Oxidoreductase enzymes have been employed for almost five decades for energy conversion in the form of biofuel cells. However, most enzymatic biofuel cells in the literature utilize complex biofuels, but only partially oxidize the complex biofuel via the use of a single enzyme (i.e. glucose oxidase or glucose dehydrogenase). In this presentation, the speaker will detail the use of enzyme cascades at bioanodes for deep to complete oxidation of fuels to improve performance. These enzyme cascades will include natural metabolic pathways (i.e. the Kreb's cycle), as well as minimal metabolic pathways to promote electron flux. She will also compare fuel options for biofuel cells and discuss the importance of structural orientation of enzymes and enzyme complexation in enzymatic cascades for efficient energy conversion. These enzyme cascades inspired her to consider mitochondria as bioelectrocatalysts as well, so direct mitochondrial bioelectrocatalysis will also be discussed.
About the speaker
Prof Shelley Minteer obtained her PhD degree in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Iowa in 2000. After that, she joined Saint Louis University as an Assistant Professor. In 2008, she was promoted to College of Arts and Sciences Endowed Professor of Chemistry. In 2011, she moved to the University of Utah as a USTAR Professor of Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering.
Prof Minteer’s research is mainly focused on magnetic field effects on electrochemical processes, chlor-alkali process, enzyme immobilization membranes, biofuel cells, biobatteries, and biomimicking of metabolism. She has published over 270 peer-reviewed papers, edited 11 books and been granted 17 US patents. She was elected Fellow of the Electrochemical Society in 2013.
Prof Minteer also received numerous prestigious awards, such as Luigi Galvani Prize of the Bioelectrochemical Society in 2015, Tajima Prize of the International Society of Electrochemistry in 2010, Scientific American Top 50 Award in 2008, Society of Electroanalytical Chemists Young Investigator Award in 2008 and US Department of Defense Okaloosa Award in 2007. She is an Associate Editor for the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Editorial Advisory Board Member for Analytical Chemistry, ACS Catalysis, ACS Energy Letters, Electroanalysis, and Frontiers in Bioenergy and Biofuels. She is currently the President of the Society of Electroanalytical Chemistry (2015-2017) and the Regional Representative of the International Society of Electrochemistry Regional Representative (2017-2019).
For attendees’ attention
The lecture is free and open to all. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.
