Issue 26, 2024

Engineering of bespoke photosensitiser–microbe interfaces for enhanced semi-artificial photosynthesis

Abstract

Biohybrid systems for solar fuel production integrate artificial light-harvesting materials with biological catalysts such as microbes. In this perspective, we discuss the rational design of the abiotic–biotic interface in biohybrid systems by reviewing microbes and synthetic light-harvesting materials, as well as presenting various approaches to coupling these two components together. To maximise performance and scalability of such semi-artificial systems, we emphasise that the interfacial design requires consideration of two important aspects: attachment and electron transfer. It is our perspective that rational design of this photosensitiser–microbe interface is required for scalable solar fuel production. The design and assembly of a biohybrid with a well-defined electron transfer pathway allows mechanistic characterisation and optimisation for maximum efficiency. Introduction of additional catalysts to the system can close the redox cycle, omitting the need for sacrificial electron donors. Studies that electronically couple light-harvesters to well-defined biological entities, such as emerging photosensitiser–enzyme hybrids, provide valuable knowledge for the strategic design of whole-cell biohybrids. Exploring the interactions between light-harvesters and redox proteins can guide coupling strategies when translated into larger, more complex microbial systems.

Graphical abstract: Engineering of bespoke photosensitiser–microbe interfaces for enhanced semi-artificial photosynthesis

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Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
04 2 2024
Accepted
20 5 2024
First published
21 5 2024
This article is Open Access

All publication charges for this article have been paid for by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Creative Commons BY license

Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 9893-9914

Engineering of bespoke photosensitiser–microbe interfaces for enhanced semi-artificial photosynthesis

I. L. Bishara Robertson, H. Zhang, E. Reisner, J. N. Butt and L. J. C. Jeuken, Chem. Sci., 2024, 15, 9893 DOI: 10.1039/D4SC00864B

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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