Periodic Reporting for period 1 - VibroZyme (Mechanoredox-Biocatalysis: Functional enzyme supports that harvest vibrational energy to power redox biocatalysis)
Reporting period: 2022-11-01 to 2025-07-31
The VibroZyme project set out to tackle one of the grand challenges in sustainable biotechnology: how to power industrial enzymes in a simple, clean, and cost-effective way. Many valuable biocatalysts depend on costly cofactors or complex external energy inputs, which limits their large-scale use in areas such as green chemistry and CO2 conversion. VibroZyme’s vision was to use everyday mechanical energy—such as vibrations from pumps or ultrasound—to directly drive enzyme reactions.
The overall objective was to create new piezo-polymer composite materials that can harvest mechanical energy and convert it into the redox equivalents that enzymes require. By developing these functional supports and integrating them with model enzymes, the project aimed to open an entirely new pathway for industrial biocatalysis.
This aligns strongly with European strategic priorities, including the European Green Deal, by supporting greener manufacturing and more sustainable use of natural resources. If successful at scale, this approach could lower costs, simplify processes, and enable new applications of biotechnology in energy, materials, and environmental protection.
The overall objective was to create new piezo-polymer composite materials that can harvest mechanical energy and convert it into the redox equivalents that enzymes require. By developing these functional supports and integrating them with model enzymes, the project aimed to open an entirely new pathway for industrial biocatalysis.
This aligns strongly with European strategic priorities, including the European Green Deal, by supporting greener manufacturing and more sustainable use of natural resources. If successful at scale, this approach could lower costs, simplify processes, and enable new applications of biotechnology in energy, materials, and environmental protection.
Over two years, VibroZyme made excellent progress in demonstrating the feasibility of vibration-powered enzymatic catalysis.
New composite materials were designed, prepared, and tested, using piezoelectric ceramics embedded in advanced polymer matrices. These materials were successfully shown to generate redox activity under mechanical stimulation.
Proof of concept assays demonstrated that this activity can be harnessed to regenerate cofactors such as NADH, which are essential for many enzymes.
Enzyme compatibility studies were performed, establishing validated protocols and clear design rules for coupling enzymes to these composites.
Industrial alignment was achieved through collaboration with a major enzyme company, ensuring the research addressed real-world challenges and opportunities.
Training and capacity building were fully achieved, equipping the researcher with new skills in enzyme technology, materials science, intellectual property, and commercialisation.
The most important achievement is the preparation of a patent application, which protects the core technology and paves the way for industrial exploitation. A companion scientific manuscript is drafted and will be submitted immediately after the patent is filed. Together, these outcomes establish a strong platform for follow-on research and commercialisation.
New composite materials were designed, prepared, and tested, using piezoelectric ceramics embedded in advanced polymer matrices. These materials were successfully shown to generate redox activity under mechanical stimulation.
Proof of concept assays demonstrated that this activity can be harnessed to regenerate cofactors such as NADH, which are essential for many enzymes.
Enzyme compatibility studies were performed, establishing validated protocols and clear design rules for coupling enzymes to these composites.
Industrial alignment was achieved through collaboration with a major enzyme company, ensuring the research addressed real-world challenges and opportunities.
Training and capacity building were fully achieved, equipping the researcher with new skills in enzyme technology, materials science, intellectual property, and commercialisation.
The most important achievement is the preparation of a patent application, which protects the core technology and paves the way for industrial exploitation. A companion scientific manuscript is drafted and will be submitted immediately after the patent is filed. Together, these outcomes establish a strong platform for follow-on research and commercialisation.
VibroZyme delivered results that significantly advance the state of the art. While traditional approaches to powering enzymes rely on chemical reagents, electrodes, or light, this project has demonstrated for the first time that mechanical energy can be converted into biochemical activity through engineered composite materials.
The project outcomes include:
A robust mechanoredox materials toolkit (beads and films) that provides a new way of driving redox reactions.
Validated methods and protocols that future researchers can build upon to integrate vibration-driven biocatalysis into laboratory and industrial settings.
Intellectual property with commercial potential, positioning Europe at the forefront of this novel technology space.
The expected impact is substantial. By removing costly reagents and leveraging energy sources already present in industrial systems, this technology can make enzyme-driven processes far more economical and environmentally friendly. It opens opportunities in CO2 utilisation, pharmaceutical synthesis, and sustainable materials processing.
Future work will focus on scaling up proof-of-concept demonstrations, finalising patent protection, and engaging industry partners for pilot projects. Additional research and demonstration funding, along with supportive frameworks for technology transfer, will accelerate its pathway to market. VibroZyme has therefore established a solid foundation for innovation, exploitation, and long-term impact.
The project outcomes include:
A robust mechanoredox materials toolkit (beads and films) that provides a new way of driving redox reactions.
Validated methods and protocols that future researchers can build upon to integrate vibration-driven biocatalysis into laboratory and industrial settings.
Intellectual property with commercial potential, positioning Europe at the forefront of this novel technology space.
The expected impact is substantial. By removing costly reagents and leveraging energy sources already present in industrial systems, this technology can make enzyme-driven processes far more economical and environmentally friendly. It opens opportunities in CO2 utilisation, pharmaceutical synthesis, and sustainable materials processing.
Future work will focus on scaling up proof-of-concept demonstrations, finalising patent protection, and engaging industry partners for pilot projects. Additional research and demonstration funding, along with supportive frameworks for technology transfer, will accelerate its pathway to market. VibroZyme has therefore established a solid foundation for innovation, exploitation, and long-term impact.