CO2tase

CO2tase is a term used in biochemical and synthetic biology contexts to describe an engineered or hypothetical enzyme that catalyzes the transformation of carbon dioxide into reduced carbon compounds. In proposed pathways, CO2tase may reduce CO2 to formate, carbon monoxide, or further reduced products such as methanol, formaldehyde, or even multi‑carbon sugars, depending on cofactor availability and partner enzymes.

The concept envisions active sites that may incorporate metal cofactors and rely on electron donors such as NADPH, ferredoxin, or artificial mediators to drive CO2 reduction. Mechanistic models vary, but common themes include activation of CO2 through coordination to a metal center and subsequent nucleophilic attack or hydride transfer that yields reduced products. CO2tase activity is often discussed in the context of engineered microbial pathways or cell‑free systems designed for carbon capture and utilization.

Applications proposed for CO2tase include carbon capture and conversion to value‑added chemicals, renewable energy storage through production of fuels or feedstocks, and integration into synthetic biology platforms for sustainable manufacturing. Such enzymes are of interest for coupling with metabolic networks or with abiotic systems to create closed loops that reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.

Status and challenges: CO2tase is not a standard, widely adopted term, and real, fully characterized enzymes described as CO2tases remain largely in the theoretical or early‑stage engineering realm. Major hurdles include achieving high activity and selectivity, stability under operating conditions, and efficient electron delivery in practical systems.

Related enzymes include carbonic anhydrases, which interconvert CO2 and bicarbonate, and various carbon dioxide‑reducing enzymes such as formate dehydrogenases and specialized hydrogenases used in research contexts.