Frank Sargent holds a personal Chair in Bacterial Physiology at the School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee. Frank’s group study various aspects of bacterial biochemistry including anaerobic respiration, where they are interested nickel-dependent and molybdenum-dependent respiratory enzymes; mixed-acid fermentation, where they are interested in the elusive formate hydrogenlyase complex responsible for hydrogen production in bacteria; and protein targeting and secretion, where they are currently focused on the mechanism of secretion of chitinases. Frank’s presentation will cover two separate topics. First, his most recent work on bacterial hydrogen metabolism will be outlined, in particular the structure, function and biosynthesis of nickel-dependent hydrogenases and the repurposing of these enzymes in carbon capture biotechnology. And second, Frank will discuss the latest data from his team on how some bacterial pathogens secrete chitinases, a process that requires the careful co-regulation of potentially toxic holins and periplasmic zinc-dependent endopeptidases.