Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference

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The Combination of AM-6 Crystals with Recombinant E. coli cells for the Production of Hydrogen Gas

Undergraduate #14
Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Biochemistry (not Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics)
Session: 4
Room: Exhibit Hall A

Alexis Willis - San Jose State University

Producing Hydrogen gas through water splitting is a promising alternative fuel source. For our research, we are reengineering E. coli cells to have the genes that are responsible for hydrogen gas production. These genes will come from Clostridium acetobutylicum and once they’re combined with AM-6 crystals, they’ll form an inorganic-bio hybrid photocatalyst system. These AM-6 semiconductor crystals are photocatalytically active in the visible and UV light spectrum. The AM-6 crystals were successfully synthesized and characterized using X-ray Powder Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope. The [FeFe]- Hydrogenase and two Clostridium acetobutylicum genes were successfully amplified and digested through polymerase chain reaction.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): National Science Foundation (NSF)

Faculty Advisor: Mariam Ismail, mariam.ismail@simmons.edu

Role: I synthesized and characterized 3 different types of AM-6 crystals

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. DUE-1930047. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.