"Endowing Organometallic Catalysts with a Genetic Memory: Artificial Metalloenzymes"CH-640

Artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) have attracted increasing attention in the past two decades as 
attractive alternatives to either homogeneous catalysts or enzymes. Artificial metalloenzymes 
result from anchoring a catalytically competent abiotic metal cofactor within a host protein, 
Figure. The resulting ArMs combine attractive features of both homogeneous- and bio-catalysts. 
Importantly, they enable access to new-to- nature reactions in a cellular environment.
Relying on supramolecular anchoring of an organometallic cofactor in a variety of protein 
scaffolds, we have optimized the performance of ArMs for sixteen different reactions.
Following a general introduction to the underlying principles of ArMs, this talk will highlight our 
recent progress in engineering and evolving such hybrid catalysts for olefin  metathesis,  C–H  
activation,  hydroamination,  and  allylic  substitution.  A
particular emphasis will be set on performing catalysis in a cellular environment.