This project will investigate the mechanistic roles of water networks, hydrogen bonding, and protein dynamics in three key energy-converting enzymes: photosystem II (PSII), Rubisco, and hydrogenase. Although these enzymes have been extensively studied, several fundamental aspects of their catalytic behaviour remain unresolved, particularly those involving hydrogen-dependent interactions and dynamic structural changes.
Neutron scattering will be central to the project, as neutrons are uniquely suited for probing hydrogen atoms, hydration structures, and molecular motion. Neutron diffraction will be used to resolve hydrogen positions and water networks at high resolution, small-angle neutron scattering will provide information on larger-scale structural organisation, and quasielastic neutron scattering will capture internal protein dynamics relevant to catalysis.
The project is expected to deliver new mechanistic insight into biological energy conversion and deepen our understanding of how hydrogen-bonding networks and protein motions contribute to enzymatic efficiency.