All Lit Up: Exploring the Photophysical Properties of Protein Polymers

Microtubules and actin filamentsare protein polymersthat playa variety of energy conversion roles in the biological cell. Whilethese polymers are being increasingly harnessed for mechanochemicalroles both inside and outside physiological conditions, their capabilitiesfor photonic energy conversion are not well understood. In this Perspective,we first introduce the reader to the photophysical properties of proteinpolymers, examining light harvesting by their constituent aromaticresidues. We then discuss both the opportunities and the challengesin interfacing protein biochemistry with photophysics. We also reviewthe literature reporting the response of microtubules and actin filamentsto infrared light, illustrating the potential of these polymers tothese polymers serve as targets for photobiomodulation. Finally, wepresent broad challenges and questions in the field of protein biophotonics.Understanding how protein polymers interact with light will pioneerboth biohybrid device fabrication and light-based therapeutics.

Automated summary

Microtubules and actin filaments are protein polymers that have various energy conversion roles in cells. While their mechanochemical roles are well studied, their capabilities for photonic energy conversion are not well understood. This Perspective discusses the photophysical properties of protein polymers, the challenges and opportunities of integrating protein biochemistry with photophysics, and the potential of microtubules and actin filaments to serve as targets for photobiomodulation. It also presents the broad challenges and questions in the field of protein biophotonics, emphasizing the importance of understanding how protein polymers interact with light for biohybrid device fabrication and light-based therapeutics.