Green Chemical Clean-up | The Institute for Creation Research

Green Chemical Clean-up

In another instance of scientists borrowing design elements from natural systems (a process known as biomimicry), researchers have developed a chemical catalyst modeled after peroxidase enzymes. Peroxidase is a complex protein that converts certain chemicals from harmful to benign and is found in almost all living cells. The goal of the recent studies at Carnegie Mellon University is to provide alternative, environmentally friendly options for industrial waste cleaning.

Some of the potential advantages of this kind of “green chemistry” clean-up include the use of small amounts of the peroxidase-mimicking catalyst at normal temperatures, effectiveness in either acidic or basic environments, high efficiency and speed, and the ability to seek-and-destroy certain particularly “recalcitrant pollutants,” even pathogens.1

Carnegie Mellon’s Terry Collins, who developed the catalyst, said, “Our recent studies into what occurs during the chemical reaction caused by TAMLs [his chemical invention] proves that the catalysts are indeed really close mimics of peroxidase enzymes.”2 If a close imitation of the enzyme is enough to produce such beneficial effects, what does that say about the nature of the actual enzyme?

“By knowing the mechanics of the reactions, we can fine tune the catalysts for even better performance,”2 Dr. Collins said. If the intimate involvement of a chemist is necessary to build and “fine tune” a facsimile, then the original peroxidase must logically also be the result of a purposeful creation. These tiny cellular “scavengers” “have been designed not to release [harmful oxidants],”3 thereby protecting the surrounding cells. The more that scientists discover about the intricate workings of living organisms, the more we can exclaim, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”4

References

  1. Collins, T. 2008. Design, performance and mechanistic chemistry of Fe-TAML activators: Reducing and eliminating hazardous substances. August 18 presentation at The 236th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Philadelphia, PA.
  2. Green Catalysts Provide Promise For Cleaning Toxins And Pollutants. Carnegie Mellon University press release, August 18, 2008, accessed August 20, 2008
  3. Stryer, L. 1995. Biochemistry 4th Ed. New York: Freeman and Co., 553.
  4. Psalm 139:14.

* Mr. Thomas is Science Writer.

Article posted on September 2, 2008.

The Latest
CREATION PODCAST
Water vs. Wind: The Controversial Coconino | The Creation Podcast:...
Welcome to the sixth episode in a series called “The Failures of Old Earth Creationism.” Many Christians attempt to fit old...

NEWS
Fossil Fish Finally Filmed
The bizarre lobe-finned coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae) “that flourished some 350 million years ago”1 continues to be a thorn...

NEWS
The Mosasaur: A Giant Sea Dragon
Mosasaurs (order Squamata) were massive marine lizards that were common in the pre-Flood oceans. Therefore, it is not surprising that their fossils...

DAYS OF PRAISE DEVOTIONALS
Summer 2025
...

NEWS
Was Life Detected on a Distant Planet?
There was celebration, albeit briefly, for the discovery of potential life on a planet called K2-18b, which is 124 lightyears away from Earth. The...

NEWS
Ichthyosaur Graveyard Explained by the Flood
Ichthyosaurs are marine reptiles that occur globally in the same rock layers as dinosaurs. Specimens with babies support the idea that they gave live...

CREATION PODCAST
What Do We Do With Geology's Unconforming Features? | The Creation...
Welcome to the fifth episode in a series called “The Failures of Old Earth Creationism.” Many Christians attempt to fit old...

NEWS
Freshwater Fish Fossil in Australia
Yet another fish fossil has been discovered. This one was found in the Australian desert and was dated by evolutionists to be “15 million years...

NEWS
May 2025 ICR Wallpaper
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans...

NEWS
Acoustic Communication in Animals
We are all familiar with vocalizations in the animal world. For example, dogs bark, birds sing, frogs croak, and whales send forth their own distinct...