Work

Establishment of new energy supply construction inspired by the defensive mechanism of Pheropsophus occipitalis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The defensive chemical system of Pheropsophus occipitalis has long been a research focus on biomimetic catalysis and energy applications, yet the biosynthetic origin of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) in its defensive glands remains unresolved. This work aimed to decipher the underlying catalytic mechanism and develop a novel biomimetic energy supply strategy. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and molecular docking were employed to verify the radical-mediated pathway of laccase-catalyzed hydroquinone oxidation. Laccase and catalase were co-immobilized on cerium oxide–titanium dioxide composite supports to enhance catalytic stability and efficiency. A biomimetic microchannel catalyst bed coupled with a pulsed cascade booster system was further constructed, inspired by the compartmentalized anatomy of P. occipitalis . We demonstrate for the first time that laccase catalyzes hydroquinone oxidation to generate H 2 O 2 via radical intermediates, and reveal a triple synergistic catalytic cycle consisting of oxygen regeneration, hydrogen element turnover, and cerium redox shuttle. The immobilized laccase yields a relative H 2 O 2 concentration of 191.79%, corresponding to a 9.2-fold improvement over free laccase. The integrated biomimetic system realizes on-demand in situ generation and utilization of H 2 O 2 . This study advances the mechanistic understanding of the P. occipitalis chemical defense system, and provides a novel, low-noise and eco-friendly technical route for the development of portable energy supply systems.

Source: Frontiers in Chemistry

DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2026.1831087