Inorganic-biological hybrid systems have potential to be sustainable, efficient, and versatile chemical synthesis platforms by integrating the light-harvesting properties of semiconductors with the synthetic potential of biological cells. We have developed a modular bioinorganic hybrid platform that consists of highly efficient light-harvesting indium phosphide nanoparticles and genetically engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a workhorse microorganism in biomanufacturing. The yeast harvests photo-generated electrons from the illuminated nanoparticles and uses them for the cytosolic regeneration of redox cofactors. This enables the decoupling of biosynthesis and cofactor regeneration, facilitating a carbon- and energy-efficient production of the metabolite shikimic acid – a common precursor for several drugs and fine chemicals. Our work provides a platform for the rational design of biohybrids for efficient biomanufacturing processes with higher complexity and functionality.

Biomass-derived membrane used for uranium extraction of natural seawater from the East China Sea through the formation of metal–phenolic networks.

The targeted therapy of metastatic melanoma is an important yet challenging goal that has received only limited attention to date. Herein, green tea polyphenols, (–)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), and lanthanide metal ions (Sm 3+ ) are used as building blocks to engineer self‐assembled Sm III ‐EGCG nanocomplexes with synergistically enhanced tumor inhibitory properties. These nanocomplexes have negligible systemic toxic effects on healthy cells but cause a significant reduction in the viability of melanoma cells by efficiently regulating their metabolic pathways. Moreover, the wound‐induced migration of melanoma cells can be efficiently inhibited by Sm III ‐EGCG, which is a key criterion for metastatic melanoma therapy. In a mouse melanoma tumor model, Sm III ‐EGCG is directly compared with a clinical anticancer drug, 5‐fluorouracil and shows remarkable tumor inhibition. Moreover, the targeted therapy of Sm III ‐EGCG is shown to prevent metastatic lung melanoma from spreading to main organs with no adverse side effects on the body weight or organs. These in vivo results demonstrate significant advantages of Sm III ‐EGCG over its clinical counterpart. The results suggest that these green tea‐based, self‐assembled nanocomplexes possess all of the key traits of a clinically promising candidate to address the challenges associated with the treatment of advanced stage metastatic melanoma.