Two-dimensional protein crystals for solar energy conversion

Adv Mater. 2014 Nov 5;26(41):7064-9. doi: 10.1002/adma.201402375. Epub 2014 Aug 25.

Abstract

Two-dimensional photosynthetic protein crystals provide a high density of aligned reaction centers. We reconstitute the robust light harvesting protein Photosystem I into a 2D crystal with lipids and integrate the crystals into a photo-electrochemical device. A 4-fold photocurrent enhancement is measured by incorporating conjugated oligoelectrolytes to form a supporting conductive bilayer in the device which produces a high photocurrent of ∼600 μA per mg PSI deposited.

Keywords: bioelectrochemistry; biomimetic membranes; photovoltaics; self-assembly; two dimensional crystals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / enzymology
  • Electric Power Supplies*
  • Electrochemistry
  • Models, Molecular
  • Photosystem I Protein Complex / chemistry*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Solar Energy*
  • Synechococcus / cytology
  • Synechococcus / enzymology

Substances

  • Photosystem I Protein Complex