Performing a heterogeneous catalysis with proteins is still a challenge. Herein,
we demonstrate the importance of cross-linked crystals for sulfoxide oxidation
by an artificial enzyme. The biohybrid consists of the insertion of an iron
complex into a NikA protein crystal. The heterogeneous catalysts displays a
better efficiency-with higher reaction kinetics, a better stability and expand
the substrate scope compared to its solution counterpart. Designing crystalline
artificial enzymes represents a good alternative to soluble or supported enzymes
for the future of synthetic biology.
