Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cell-free compositions and methods for making and using the same. In one aspect, the composition includes: an extract derived from one or more organisms; one or more proteins of interest, wherein the one or more proteins are expressed from one or more nucleic acids exogenous to the extract and/or by the one or more organisms, wherein preferably the one or more proteins react with a substrate to produce a product; and one or more O2, O—, or H2O2 scavengers. The composition may be oxygen-deprived. The composition may also include an energy recycling system.