Project description
Powering enzymes with green hydrogen
Enzyme-based biotechnology relies on molecules like NAD(P)H, which act as tiny energy carriers that help enzymes drive chemical reactions. However, traditional recycling methods for these cofactors generate by-products. This raises costs and reduces efficiency. To reverse this trend, the ERC-funded HydroBEAD project aims to offer a patented technology that uses green hydrogen and [FeFe]-hydrogenases (highly efficient, scalable catalysts) to regenerate cofactors directly in the reaction mixture, with minimal waste. This approach allows sustainable hydrogen to power even complex enzymatic processes at industrial scale. The next step is to validate the technology and commercialisation plan.
Objective
Our patented HYDRObead technology provides a clean, energy-efficient solution for in-situ regeneration of essential cofactors such as NAD(P)H, a cornerstone for modern enzyme-based biotechnology. Traditional cofactor recycling systems often depend on sacrificial substrates, generating by-products that accumulate during the process. This not only drives up costs but can also impair enzyme reactions due to low biocompatibility.
The breakthrough of HYDRObead is that it harnesses green hydrogen as a sustainable and nearly traceless electron source by relying on [FeFe]-hydrogenases as a highly scalable and efficient catalysts for hydrogen oxidation. This unique combination enables the direct integration of green hydrogen into enzyme-based biotechnology for driving even complex enzymatic processes at large scales.
Building on the results of our ERC Consolidator Grant E-VOLUTION, we developed a scalable, robust, drop-in catalytic system based on the [FeFe]-hydrogenases for efficient hydrogen interconversion with high specificity and biocompatibility. Through our ERC Proof of Concept project HYDRObead, we are now collaborating with industrial partners to validate the technology and design a commercialization strategy, paving the way for a spin-off company. Our long-term goal is to establish this catalyst system as a cost-effective, enabling technology for in-situ cofactor recycling, meeting the growing demand for sustainable, enzyme-driven processes in modern biotechnology.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology environmental engineering waste management waste treatment processes recycling
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry electrolysis
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
80333 Muenchen
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.