White, M.F.M., Trotter, C.L., Steele, J.F.C. et al. Native H2 pathways enable biocompatible hydrogenation of metabolic alkenes in bacteria. Nat. Chem. (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-025-02052-y
A collaborative team of researchers has demonstrated a pioneering hybrid chemo-microbial platform that harnesses naturally produced hydrogen gas (H₂) in living bacteria to perform chemical hydrogenation reactions, a cornerstone transformation in chemical synthesis, under mild, biocompatible conditions.
Abstract:
Hydrogen gas is naturally produced by microorganisms from renewable feedstocks, yet industrial hydrogenation relies almost entirely on fossil fuel-derived H2. Despite advances in engineering biology and increasing demand for greener manufacturing, microbial H2 has seen limited application in chemical synthesis. Here we demonstrate that genetically unmodified microorganisms can generate H2 in situ to drive biocompatible alkene hydrogenation at the cell membrane using membrane-bound Pd catalysts. When combined with de novo alkene biosynthesis in engineered Escherichia coli, this system enables the simultaneous in vivo production of both substrate (alkene) and reagent (H2), followed by membrane-associated biohydrogenation to yield new metabolic end products. Quantitative life cycle assessment reveals that hybrid chemo-microbial systems utilizing waste feedstocks can outperform electrolytic hydrogenation and achieve carbon-negative outcomes. Together, this work demonstrates how microbial metabolites can be generated, intercepted and metabolically multiplexed to support biocompatible transition metal catalysis and sustainable chemical synthesis in living cells.
This work is a compelling example of how quantitative LCA and early techno-economic considerations, integrated alongside biological and catalytic development, can shape more sustainable discovery science. By quantifying environmental benefits early in the research cycle, the authors provide a roadmap for translating fundamental innovations into scalable, lower-impact chemical manufacturing solutions.
Looking ahead, expanding this platform to additional microbial hosts and reactions, and refining process economics through deeper TEA/LCA integration, could further accelerate the adoption of sustainable hybrid chemo-biological systems in industry.