Tuned enzymes: Extra guest molecule in an enzyme's binding pocket enables methane oxidation
Tuesday, March 8, 2011 - 10:06
in Physics & Chemistry
(PhysOrg.com) -- Our fossil fuel reserves are limited. When they run out, we will not only be lacking in fuel, but chemical industry will lose its most important feedstock. In contrast, natural gas has barely been used as a raw material. If it were possible to efficiently convert methane, the main component of natural gas, into chemically useful materials like methanol, we would gain some time to make the transition to alternative sources of raw materials.