Photosynthetic hydrogen production: Novel protocols, promising engineering approaches and application of semi-synthetic hydrogenases

Photosynthetic production of molecular hydrogen (H-2) by cyanobacteria and green algae is a potential source of renewable energy. These organisms are capable of water biophotolysis by taking advantage of photosynthetic apparatus that links water oxidation at Photosystem II and reduction of protons to H-2 downstream of Photosystem I. Although the process has a theoretical potential to displace fossil fuels, photosynthetic H-2 production in its current state is not yet efficient enough for industrial applications due to a number of physiological, biochemical, and engineering barriers. This article presents a short overview of the metabolic pathways and enzymes involved in H-2 photoproduction in cyanobacteria and green algae and our present understanding of the mechanisms of this process. We also summarize recent advances in engineering photosynthetic cell factories capable of overcoming the major barriers to efficient and sustainable H-2 production.

Automated summary

Photosynthetic production of molecular hydrogen is a potential source of renewable energy, but current efficiency levels are too low for industrial applications due to physiological, biochemical, and engineering barriers. Researchers have some understanding of the metabolic pathways and enzymes involved in H-2 production in cyanobacteria and green algae, and have made progress in engineering photosynthetic cell factories to overcome major obstacles to efficient and sustainable H-2 production.