Photozyme-Catalyzed ATP Generation Based on ATP Synthase-Reconstituted Nanoarchitectonics

We demonstrate that ATP synthase-reconstituted proteoliposomecoatingson the surface of microcapsules can realize photozyme-catalyzed oxidativephosphorylation. The microcapsules were assembled through layer-by-layerdeposition of semiconducting graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets and polyelectrolytes. It is found thatelectrons from polyelectrolytes are transferred to g-C3N4 nanosheets, which enhances the separation of photogeneratedelectron-hole pairs. Thus, the encapsulated g-C3N4 nanosheets as the photozyme accelerate oxidation ofglucose into gluconic acid to yield protons under light illumination.The outward transmembrane proton gradient is established to driveATP synthase to synthesize adenosine triphosphate. With such an assembledsystem, light-driven oxidative phosphorylation is achieved. This indicatesthat an assembled photozyme can be used for oxidative phosphorylation,which creates an unusual way for chemical-to-biological energy conversion.Compared to conventional oxidative phosphorylation systems, such anartificial design enables higher energy conversion efficiency.

Automated summary

We demonstrate the realization of photozyme-catalyzed oxidative phosphorylation through the assembly of ATP synthase-reconstituted proteoliposome coatings on microcapsules. This is achieved through layer-by-layer deposition of semiconducting graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets and polyelectrolytes. The encapsulated g-C3N4 nanosheets act as the photozyme, accelerating the oxidation of glucose to yield protons under light illumination, establishing an outward transmembrane proton gradient to drive ATP synthesis. This artificial design enables higher energy conversion efficiency compared to conventional oxidative phosphorylation systems.