Bio-organic-inorganic Hybrid Soft Materials: Photoelectric Conversion Systems Based on Photosystem I and II with Molecular Wires

This review discusses methods for increasing the efficiency of photoelectric conversion systems using photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII) isolated from thermophilic cyanobacteria. The structure and electron transfer pathways for PSI and PSII are described, followed by a description of a new type of photoelectric conversion system and its application in light-sensing devices using PSI or PSII. Photoelectron transfer is demonstrated by spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements. A strategy to enhance photocurrent intensity is described, involving wiring photosynthetic reaction centers onto a self-assembled monolayer on an electrode. We review the fundamental concept behind these semi-artificial photosynthetic systems, as well as representative examples from published papers, including those from our laboratory.

Automated summary

This review discusses methods for increasing the efficiency of photoelectric conversion systems using PSI and PSII isolated from thermophilic cyanobacteria. A new type of photoelectric conversion system and its application in light-sensing devices are described, along with strategies for enhancing photocurrent intensity. The review also covers the fundamental concept behind semi-artificial photosynthetic systems and includes representative examples from published papers, including those from the authors' laboratory.