A synergistic association between iron reduction and enhanced hydrogen production in Clostridium pasteurianum

Abstract

Clostridium pasteurianum is one of the most promising naturally occurring microbes, which produces biohydrogen. The iron-reducing property of the bacteria is an advantageous process that enhances its hydrogen production efficiency. This review highlights the metabolic pathways encompassing the iron-reducing, carbonoxidizing and hydrogen producing features of the bacteria. The structural and functional aspect of the key enzymes involved in regulating the iron reduction and fermentation process in this bacterium has been emphasized. These enzymes include pyruvate-ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR), ferredoxin and hydrogenase. The potential of these key interlinked enzymes is highly relevant in regulating the important metabolic pathways of the bacteria.