Huang Xiao-Lan
Center for Clean Water Technology, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-6044, USA.
iScience. 2024 Mar 25;27(5):109555. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109555. eCollection 2024 May 17.
This article explores the intricate interplay between inorganic nanoparticles and Earth's biochemical history, with a focus on their electron transfer properties. It reveals how iron oxide and sulfide nanoparticles, as examples of inorganic nanoparticles, exhibit oxidoreductase activity similar to proteins. Termed "life fossil oxidoreductases," these inorganic enzymes influence redox reactions, detoxification processes, and nutrient cycling in early Earth environments. By emphasizing the structural configuration of nanoparticles and their electron conformation, including oxygen defects and metal vacancies, especially electron hopping, the article provides a foundation for understanding inorganic enzyme mechanisms. This approach, rooted in physics, underscores that life's origin and evolution are governed by electron transfer principles within the framework of chemical equilibrium. Today, these nanoparticles serve as vital biocatalysts in natural ecosystems, participating in critical reactions for ecosystem health. The research highlights their enduring impact on Earth's history, shaping ecosystems and interacting with protein metal centers through shared electron transfer dynamics, offering insights into early life processes and adaptations.
本文探讨了无机纳米颗粒与地球生化历史之间的复杂相互作用,重点关注其电子转移特性。研究揭示了作为无机纳米颗粒实例的氧化铁和硫化物纳米颗粒如何展现出与蛋白质相似的氧化还原酶活性。这些无机酶被称为“生命化石氧化还原酶”,它们在早期地球环境中影响氧化还原反应、解毒过程和养分循环。通过强调纳米颗粒的结构构型及其电子构象,包括氧缺陷和金属空位,尤其是电子跳跃,本文为理解无机酶机制奠定了基础。这种源于物理学的方法强调,生命的起源和进化在化学平衡框架内受电子转移原理支配。如今,这些纳米颗粒在自然生态系统中作为重要的生物催化剂,参与对生态系统健康至关重要的反应。该研究突出了它们对地球历史的持久影响,塑造了生态系统,并通过共享的电子转移动力学与蛋白质金属中心相互作用,为早期生命过程和适应性提供了见解。