Genetically Encoded Oligomerization for Protein-Based Lighting Devices

Implementing proteins in optoelectronics represents a fresh idea toward a sustainable new class of materials with bio-functions that can replace environmentally unfriendly and/or toxic components without losing device performance. However, their native activity (fluorescence, catalysis, and so on) is easily lost under device fabrication/operation as non-native environments (organic solvents, organic/inorganic interfaces, and so on) and severe stress (temperature, irradiation, and so on) are involved. Herein, a gift bow genetically-encoded macro-oligomerization strategy is showcased to promote protein-protein solid interaction enabling i) high versatility with arbitrary proteins, ii) straightforward electrostatic driven control of the macro-oligomer size by ionic strength, and iii) stabilities over months in pure organic solvents and stress scenarios, allowing to integrate them into classical water-free polymer-based materials/components for optoelectronics. Indeed, rainbow-/white-emitting protein-based light-emitting diodes are fabricated, attesting a first-class performance compared to those with their respective native proteins: significantly enhanced device stabilities from a few minutes up to 100 h keeping device efficiency at high power driving conditions. Thus, the oligomerization concept is a solid bridge between biological systems and materials/components to meet expectations in bio-optoelectronics, in general, and lighting schemes, in particular.

Automated summary

Implementing proteins in optoelectronics offers a sustainable solution to replace environmentally unfriendly and/or toxic components without sacrificing device performance. However, their native activity is easily lost under non-native environments and severe stress during device fabrication and operation. This study presents a genetically-encoded macro-oligomerization strategy to promote protein-protein interaction and enhance stability, allowing the integration of proteins into polymer-based materials for optoelectronics. Protein-based light-emitting diodes with enhanced performance and stability are fabricated using this strategy. The oligomerization concept serves as a solid bridge between biological systems and materials/components in bio-optoelectronics.