Sensing the Light With Artificial Cells

Nature has evolved sophisticated light-harvesting systems and sensory mechanisms that detect light, convert it into biochemical energy, regulate biological processes, and synthesize organic compounds and oxygen. Extensive studies have explored the chemical and physical principles underlying the structure and function of photoreceptors and chromophore-embedded proteins, providing insights into light-matter interactions in biological systems. Artificial cells, designed to replicate natural cells, offer a unique platform for investigating biological processes and the origins of life. The development of hierarchical structures capable of light harvesting, sensory detection, and photoenergy conversion is a critical step toward creating effective cell mimics. This review highlights the role of photosensation and photoenergy transduction in biology, summarizes the bottom-up construction of artificial cells, and examines recent advancements in light-harvesting, phototransduction, and energy conversion within these systems, along with light-controlled cytomimetic behaviors.