Periplasmic biomineralization for semi-artificial photosynthesis

Area of Science:

• Biohybrid systems
• Nanotechnology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Semiconductor biointerfaces are typically on cell surfaces or cytoplasm.
• Gram-negative bacteria's periplasm offers unique biomineralization opportunities.
• Nongenetic modulation of interfaces is achievable in the periplasm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate semiconductor nanocluster precipitation within the bacterial periplasm.
• To investigate the properties and applications of these periplasmic semiconductors.
• To explore sustainable applications of biomineralization-enabled periplasmic biohybrids.

Main Methods:

• Electron and X-ray imaging techniques for nanocluster observation.
• In situ precipitation of single- and multiple-metal semiconductor nanoclusters.
• Coupling photosensitization with defect-rich nanoclusters.

Main Results:

• Successful precipitation of semiconductor nanoclusters in the periplasm.
• Periplasmic semiconductors exhibit metastable, defect-dominant fluorescent properties.
• Defect-rich nanoclusters enhanced adenosine triphosphate levels and malate production via photosensitization.

Conclusions:

• Biomineralization in the periplasm enables novel biohybrid systems.
• These periplasmic biohybrids are defect-tolerant platforms for sustainability.
• Applications include heavy metal reduction, living bioreactors, and semi-artificial photosynthesis.