Issue 5, 2021

Augmenting photosynthesis through facile AIEgen-chloroplast conjugation and efficient solar energy utilization

Abstract

Photosynthesis is regarded as the foundation for sustaining life on our planet. Light-harvesting is the initial step that activates the subsequent photochemical reactions. In the photosystems, chloroplast is the basic light-driven metabolic factory of higher plant cells. However, there is an incomplete match between the solar radiation spectrum and absorption profile of chloroplasts. It is hard for the photosynthetic pigments to fully utilize the sunlight energy. Here, we designed two new aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecules with activated alkyl groups (TPE-PPO and TPA-TPO). Via a facile metal-free “Click” reaction, we realized the substantial manipulation of live chloroplasts with the AIE luminogens (AIEgens). Owing to the matched photophysical properties, the AIEgens could harvest harmful ultraviolet radiation (HUVR) and photosynthetically inefficient radiation (PIR), and further convert them into photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) for chloroplast absorption. As a result, the conjugated AIEgen-chloroplast exhibited better capability of water splitting and electron separation. It promoted the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is an important product of photosynthesis. This work provides an effective strategy for improving plant photosynthesis.

Graphical abstract: Augmenting photosynthesis through facile AIEgen-chloroplast conjugation and efficient solar energy utilization

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
04 Janv. 2021
Accepted
07 Apr. 2021
First published
14 Apr. 2021

Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 1433-1438

Augmenting photosynthesis through facile AIEgen-chloroplast conjugation and efficient solar energy utilization

H. Bai, H. Liu, X. Chen, R. Hu, M. Li, W. He, J. Du, Z. Liu, A. Qin, J. W. Y. Lam, R. T. K. Kwok and B. Z. Tang, Mater. Horiz., 2021, 8, 1433 DOI: 10.1039/D1MH00012H

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