At the Novel Enzymes 2025 Conference in Budapest, Konstantinos Rigkos presented the discovery of CA-KR1, a novel carbonic anhydrase with exceptional promise for industrial CO₂ capture applications.
Identified through high-throughput metagenomic screening, CA-KR1 stands out for its remarkable stability and efficiency under harsh industrial conditions, including elevated temperatures and alkaline environments. In batch bioreactor tests, CA-KR1 achieved 90% CO₂ removal at 80°C and a doubling of absorption rates at 90°C when compared to standard Hot Potassium Carbonate (HPC) systems. With a 93% efficiency improvement in green capture systems and IP protection currently in place, CA-KR1 is emerging as a highly competitive option in sustainable carbon capture.
“I had the opportunity to exchange knowledge and engage in fruitful discussions with research teams from around the world” said Rigkos, reflecting on the conference experience. “It opened up exciting opportunities for future collaboration.”
The event brought together leading scientists in enzymatic biotransformations and bioremediation, underlining the importance of biocatalyst innovation in the transition to a net-zero future.