The Green Industrial Revolution and the Future of Steel Production: Using the Innovative ‘Sheffield Cell’

This essay examines a hypothetical innovative technology denominated the Sheffield Cell, based on bioremediation for the extraction of iron ions from iron ore. This essay will discuss the aerotolerant metalloenzyme Hydrogenase and its ability to split dihydrogen, consecutively releasing electrons within a biochemical cell. The electron transport protein MtrCAB will be investigated, along with its mechanisms and capacity in transferring electrons across a synthetic membrane, contributing to the purification of iron. Furthermore, cellulose containing biomaterials, proton-exchange, and oxygen permeable Perovskite oxides are explored for their potential uses in synthetic membrane design, and their role in compartmentalisation. Additionally, each of the protein structures will be reviewed to fully understand their properties and functions in bioremediation. To realise the capabilities of the Sheffield Cell, this essay combines a variety of disciplines such as membrane synthesis, ion transfer via electrochemical differences, and recombinant protein production. Accordingly, this essay offers a better understanding into the varied disciplines of biochemical sciences and how they can be combined to produce a functional innovative product. Overall, biotechnology in the form described above can reduce the need for high energy input, emissions, and overall cost to current large scale iron processing facilities.