Biomimetic clusters dubbed inorganic complexes are the foci of many
enzymes that are frequently earmarked for biochemical pathways. Specifically, the
biomimetic clusters are made up of transition metal(s) chelated with organic ligands.
This book chapter details redox active enzymes for the most fundamental biochemical
processes. Bio-inorganic chemists have been synthesizing numerous biomimetic
clusters that have the ability not only to mimic the active site structural features but
also to mimic their functions. In a similar vein, the fixation of nitrogen into ammonia is
akin to the fundamental biological process and thus can be considered a biomimetic
biological process. Therefore, novel materials, including electrides, nitrides, hydrides,
and basic oxides, have created a niche in facilitating biochemical reaction products.
Insights into biomimetic clusters, especially inorganic catalysts’ mimics, new materials
facilitating biological chemistries, and their mechanisms will uncover new avenues for
small molecule activation, with different catalytic mechanisms yet to be elucidated.
Keywords: Biomimetic, Bio-inorganic complexes, β-Lactamase, Heterogenous catalysis, Nitrogenase, N2 activation, Phosphatase.
