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In Vitro Reconstitution of Light-harvesting Complexes of Plants and Green Algae
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Vibronic Wavepackets and Energy Transfer in Cryptophyte Light-Harvesting Complexes
Chanelle C Jumper1,2, Ivo H M van Stokkum3, Tihana Mirkovic1
1Department of Chemistry , University of Toronto , 80 St. George Street , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3H6 , Canada.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|May 31, 2018
Summary
High-efficiency photosynthesis relies on vibronic coherence to enhance energy transfer between donor and acceptor states. This study reveals how vibrational wavepackets and exciton coupling in phycobiliproteins influence energy transfer rates.
Area of Science:
- Photosynthesis research
- Biophysics
- Quantum biology
Background:
- Understanding efficient photosynthetic energy transfer is crucial.
- Vibronic coherence plays a role in linking donor and acceptor states.
- Oscillator strength redistribution is key for enhanced energy transfer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interplay between vibronic wavepackets and energy transfer dynamics.
- To compare energy transfer in four related phycobiliproteins from cryptophyte algae.
- To characterize vibrational wavepacket dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Broad-band pump-probe spectroscopy was employed.
- A parametric model with global analysis was extended.
- Vibrational wavepacket characterization was incorporated.
Main Results:
- A dominant subpicosecond energy transfer pathway was identified from central to peripheral chromophores.
- All proteins showed a 1585 cm-1 coherent oscillation, correlating with energy transfer and damping rates.
- Closed phycobiliprotein structures exhibited doubled energy transfer rates due to central exciton splitting.
Conclusions:
- Vibronic coherence and excited-state vibrational wavepackets are significant for efficient energy transfer.
- Electronic coupling and nuclear dynamics interplay is vital for high-efficiency photosynthesis.
- Further research into these dynamics is warranted.
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