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...

Redox and Energy Homeostasis Enabled by Photocatalytic Material–Microbial Interfaces

“…Interestingly, the expression of CzcCBA under the photocatalytic condition (T3 in Figure c) was not as prominent as under hydrogen conditions (T1 in Figure c), indicating a possible reluctance to export these materials as they come with the benefits of photogenerated electrons. Microbial tolerance to these potentially toxic materials could be counterintuitive under abiotic–biotic systems but not unique in this particular system . For the future design of material–microbial hybrid systems, the development of biocompatible materials remains the primary approach; however, it is also possible to incorporate biological components into “less biocompatible” environments if these “toxicants” can be managed or needed by the microbes.…”

“…Microbial tolerance to these potentially toxic materials could be counterintuitive under abiotic−biotic systems but not unique in this particular system. 38 For the future design of material−microbial hybrid systems, the development of biocompatible materials remains the primary approach; however, it is also possible to incorporate biological components into "less biocompatible" environments if these "toxicants" can be managed or needed by the microbes. For instance, the expression of cation diffusion facilitators of CzcCBA, as discussed above, enables the microbes to resist the toxicity of heavy metals like Cd 2+ , Co 2+ , Zn 2+ , and Ni 2+ , particularly with the photogenerated electrons produced on the materials.…”