Scientists found an enzyme that converts air into electricity
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| Mycobacterium smegmatis by |
A team of Scientists from Monash University in Melbourne has found a bacterial enzyme that can convert air into electricity. This discovery of Hydrogen consuming bacteria has unlocked a new way to generate electricity.
This soil bacterium uses trace hydrogen in the air to produce electricity. Professor Greening from Monash University said that “This soil bacterium uses hydrogen in the air as a source of their energy,” He also said that “But we did not know how could they generate electricity from the Hydrogen in the air”.
The enzyme which converts thin air into electricity is named Huc which is produced by a bacteria named Mycobacterium smegmatis. This enzyme could even survive in extreme environments such as Antarctica to Volcano. But how this bacterium was able to generate electricity is still unknown. As Huc consumes Hydrogen below the atmospheric levels it is considered extraordinarily efficient.
The atomic structure and electric pathways of the enzyme have been revealed by an advanced microscopy method named Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Scientists also proved that the enzyme creates electricity out of atmospheric hydrogen using a technique called electrochemistry.
Ms. Kropp who performed laboratory work has proved that it is possible to store the enzyme for longer periods. Ms. Kropp also proved that it is possible to heat Huc to 80 degrees Celsius or to freeze it. This proves that bacteria could survive in extreme environments.
This discovery of Mycobacterium smegmatis is considered a sustainable source of energy and an alternative to solar-powered devices.