Tuning a P450 Enzyme for Methane Oxidation

Abstract

A new spin: The addition of chemically inert perfluoro carboxylic acids (green; see picture) to P450 enzymes results in dramatic activation of their catalytic activity as a result of the conversion of the Fe/heme from a low-spin to a high-spin state, and the reduction of the binding-pocket size. Together these effects allow otherwise inert substrates such as propane and even methane to be oxidized.