[FeFe]-Hydrogenases: recent developments and future perspectives

Abstract

[FeFe]-Hydrogenases are the most efficient enzymes for catalytic hydrogen turnover. Their H₂ production efficiency is hitherto unrivalled. However, functional details of the catalytic machinery and possible modes of application are discussed controversially. The incorporation of synthetically modified cofactors and utilization of semi-artificial enzymes only recently allowed us to shed light on key steps of the catalytic cycle. Herein, we summarize the essential findings regarding the redox chemistry of [FeFe]-hydrogenases and discuss their catalytic hydrogen turnover. We furthermore will give an outlook on potential research activities and exploit the utilization of synthetic cofactor mimics.