Faculty of Science
Microbiology and Immunology

Seminar: Lars Lauterbach

Lars Lauterbach

January 13, 2026

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

LSC 3 (Life Sciences Institute- 2350 Health Sciences Mall)

 

Lars Lauterbach seminar

Harnessing gas-converting enzymes for sustainable biotechnology

Gas-converting enzymes such as hydrogenases, formate dehydrogenases, and methane monooxygenases enable the biocatalytic utilization of H₂, CO₂, and CH₄ as renewable feedstocks for a circular bioeconomy. Cupriavidus necator, a chemolithoautotrophic model organism, exemplifies this potential by using H₂ as an energy source to fix CO₂ via the Calvin cycle, making it an emerging platform for CO₂-dependent biorefineries. In this seminar, I will present recent advances from our lab in H₂-driven biotransformations: (i) reductive amination for the synthesis of high-value N-heterocycles using imine reductases powered by enzymatic cofactor regeneration, (ii) conversion of lignin-derived aromatics in a closed flow biocatalytic system, and (iii) engineering O₂-tolerant [NiFe]-hydrogenases for light-driven H₂ production in cyanobacteria. Together, these studies highlight how gas-converting enzymes, synthetic biology, and microbial engineering can unlock sustainable H₂-powered biotransformations.

  • Seminar

Musqueam First Nation land acknowledegement

We honour xwməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam) on whose ancestral, unceded territory UBC Vancouver is situated. UBC Science is committed to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples so we can advance Reconciliation and ensure traditional ways of knowing enrich our teaching and research.

Learn more: Musqueam First Nation

Microbiology and Immunology

1365–2350 Health Sciences Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada
V6T 1Z3

Faculty of Science

Office of the Dean, Earth Sciences Building
2178–2207 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada
V6T 1Z4
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