Different Photons, Same Chemistry: Identical Mechanism and Efficiency of Fatty Acid Photodecarboxylase under Blue and UV Excitation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Fatty acid photodecarboxylase (FAP) is a promising photoenzyme for light‑driven hydrocarbon synthesis and a versatile chassis for photobiocatalysis. A recent study proposed that UV/violet illumination enhances FAP activity relative to blue light by accessing a distinct, more efficient photochemical regime. Here, steady-state and time‑resolved fluorescence, transient absorption spectroscopy under single‑turnover conditions, and product quantification under continuous irradiation show that the quantum yield of decarboxylation, the identities and kinetics of reaction intermediates, and the overall chemical yield are identical for blue and UV/violet excitation. These findings establish that FAP operates through a single, wavelength‑independent photocycle, overturning the proposed “violet‑enhanced” reactivity model.
Source: ACS Catalysis
Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille Université, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA Paris-Saclay - Etablissement de Saclay, Institut de Biologie Intégrative de la Cellule, Institut de Biosciences et Biotechnologies, Institut de Biosciences et biotechnologies d'Aix-Marseille
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Funder: Agence Nationale de la Recherche
OpenAlex ID: W7172434221