Microalgae-Based Semiartificial Photosynthesis: Strategies, Applications, and Future Prospects

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Bioengineering
• Materials Science
• Synthetic Biology

Background:

• Microalgae are efficient photosynthetic organisms with potential for carbon fixation and biomanufacturing.
• Natural photosynthesis is limited by spectral mismatch, inefficient electron transport, and CO2 diffusion.
• Semiartificial photosynthetic systems (SAPSs) combine microalgae with engineered materials to overcome these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the integration of microalgae with functional materials in SAPSs.
• To discuss strategies for optimizing photon utilization, electron transfer, and CO2 assimilation.
• To explore applications and challenges of SAPSs in sustainable biomanufacturing and energy conversion.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on microalgae-material integration in SAPSs.
• Analysis of strategies for optical enhancement, electron transfer regulation, and CO2 concentration.
• Examination of applications in solar fuels, biomanufacturing, environmental remediation, and biohybrid microrobots.

Main Results:

• SAPSs leverage microalgae's carbon fixation and adaptability with material properties for enhanced performance.
• Functional materials improve photon capture, electron transfer, CO2 availability, and robustness.
• Applications span solar fuels, sustainable chemicals, environmental cleanup, and advanced robotics.

Conclusions:

• SAPSs offer a promising avenue for sustainable, solar-driven biomanufacturing and carbon capture.
• Key challenges include bio-abiotic energy coupling, standardization, stability, and nanomaterial sustainability.
• Future progress requires an interdisciplinary approach integrating materials science, synthetic biology, and life-cycle assessment for scalable, carbon-neutral technologies.