Catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation reaction by in situ formed ultra-fine metal nanoparticles in live thermophilic hydrogen-producing bacteria

Herein, an environmentally friendly biomimetic strategy was proposed and validated for the catalytic hydrogenation reaction in live bacteria. First, we used a thermophilic hydrogen-producing bacterial strain to in situ prepare ultrafine gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs). Then, by utilizing AuNPs or PdNPs as catalysts and on-site hydrogen gas generated directly through living thermophilic hydrogen-producing bacteria, we realized highly efficient asymmetric hydrogenation reactions.