Supercharged Fluorescent Protein-Apoferritin Cocrystals for Lighting Applications

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Biophysics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Fluorescent proteins (FPs) are vital for optoelectronic devices but prone to denaturation from heat, light, and solvents.
• Device operation can reach 65°C, causing FP denaturation and functional loss, limiting device performance and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop effective stabilization strategies for fluorescent proteins in optoelectronic devices.
• To address photoinduced heat generation and improve the operational stability of biological hybrid light-emitting diodes (Bio-HLEDs).

Main Methods:

• Engineered positively supercharged fluorescent proteins (+22) to enhance thermal stability without compromising photoluminescence.
• Developed a crystallization protocol for FP-apoferritin cocrystals integrated into a silicone-based color down-converting filter.
• Assessed device temperature reduction and stability enhancement of Bio-HLEDs.

Main Results:

• Achieved enhanced photoluminescence and thermal stability in engineered FPs compared to native forms.
• Created highly emissive FP-apoferritin cocrystals retaining key photoluminescence features.
• Reduced Bio-HLED working temperature to 40°C, resulting in a 40-fold increase in device stability.

Conclusions:

• The integration of engineered FP-apoferritin cocrystals offers a robust strategy for stabilizing FPs in optoelectronics.
• This approach significantly enhances the operational stability and longevity of Bio-HLEDs.
• The developed method provides a pathway for utilizing FPs in demanding optoelectronic applications.