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Project acronym:   BioSynthClust

Project type:   PRISM

Grant agreement No.:   HF-178

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Project is funded by:   Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia (Belgrade, Serbia)

Instituions where the research is conducted:

  • University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry (Belgrade, Serbia) – Beneficiary
  • University of Belgrade - Institute for Multidisciplinary Research (Belgrade, Serbia) – Project task management
  • University of Belgrade - Faculty for Physical Chemistry (Belgrade, Serbia) – Beneficiary

Project realization is scheduled from December 1, 2023 till May 31, 2026.

Project staff

Principal investigator:   Ivan Spasojević, University of Belgrade - Institute for Multidisciplinary Research (Beograd, Serbia)

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Repository for research results:   https://rimsi.imsi.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/1

Short description of the project

De novo synthesis of metal cluster compounds that mimic structural, redox and catalytic properties of biological clusters in metalloproteins represents an interdisciplinary challenge with outlets in biotechnology, industry, and wastewater processing. Chemical synthetic pathways come with limitations and large environmental footprint, which calls for finding novel routes of green synthesis. The project BioSynthClust proposes an innovative concept to utilize adaptive traits of microalgae (unicellular algae) and employ them as vehicles for biosynthesis of catalytically active metal cluster compounds. It was recently reported by our group that microalgae respond to manganese and copper excess by producing and accumulating metal clusters. Specifically, the Chlorella-made multi-valent Mn-O-Ca cluster was found to resemble the core of the oxygen-evolving complex in chloroplasts, indicating a tremendous biotechnological potential of microalgae. The aim of  is to investigate the biosynthesis of Mn, Cu, and Fe clusters in freshwater, marine, and acidophilic metal-tolerant microalgal strains, and deliver a new strategic approach for green and sustainable development of metal clusters. The structures, redox activities, magnetic properties, and yields of new biosynthesized clusters will be determined using EPR, FTIR, synchrotron radiation-based XAFS, XRD, voltammetry, magnetometry, and ICP-OES. The project will deliver a novel method for biosynthesis of catalytically active clusters, including optimal strains, growing conditions, metal concentrations, and extraction protocols. The biosynthetic potential of microalgae demonstrated by BioSynthClust may improve environmental and technoeconomic performance of metal cluster-dependent technological processes, build a research roadmap for microalgaebased innovations and new products in the catalysts market, and strengthen local capacities for microalgae farming and downstream industries.

[Graphical project abstract 1]
Project narrative

Representative references

http://rimsi.imsi.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/2378