mLife, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 3(4), P. 532 - 536

Published: Dec. 1, 2024

Photosynthesis has been the cornerstone of solar energy conversion on Earth for billions years, crucial sustaining biosphere and maintaining carbon water cycles. However, with rise industrial civilization, natural photosynthesis alone become insufficient to meet growing product demands1, leading extensive fossil fuel use, environmental pollution, crises. In response, scientists have sought enhance through genetic engineering synthetic biology2, or develop alternative methods using advanced materials science3. Efforts improve in plants photosynthetic microorganisms focused optimizing light-harvesting, electron transport, sequestration systems2. While offer higher efficiency than plants4, their practical application is hindered by limited tools, a narrow spectrum, slower growth compared industrialized nonphotosynthetic microorganisms, which, despite versatility, depend organic inorganic molecules energy, costs emissions issues5. parallel, artificial solar-to-fuel/chemical technologies3, particularly those semiconductor materials, gained prominence6. These superior light-harvesting capabilities customizable band structures, significant advances photocatalysis efficiencies far exceeding photosynthesis7. catalytic specificity photocatalysts restricts range low-value compounds, high cost, complex synthesis, lack compatibility most semiconductors further underscore challenges that remain before can commercially yield more valuable products8. fact, there are numerous nature, specifically minerals rich redox-reactive elements such as iron, sulfur, manganese9. function photocatalysts, harvesting photoelectric (Figure 1A,B)10. 2012, we discovered properties drive iron cycle under light, thereby promoting autotrophic Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans11, typical bacterium. This marked first report utilizing photoelectrons from minerals. Mineral–microbe interactions widespread across various spatial temporal scales, spanning early history earth present12. Before our study, it was generally accepted valence serve substrates redox reactions (acting sinks donors) during microbial metabolism. Minerals contain multivalence metal elements, Fe Mn, which act electrical conductors facilitate extracellular transfer9. Our finding revealed another form utilization microbes, likely present very nature: help Given evolutionary nonphototrophs longer phototrophs, be speculated this phenomenon existed considerable period time. Achieving not only represents landmark scientific breakthrough but also carries profound significance. First, would new platforms conversion, use benefit humanity. Second, could establish novel pathways difficult achieve organisms, thus enabling green biomanufacturing products. Furthermore, approach will pave way toward production diverse biochemicals carbon-neutral manner. Since pioneering study including chemoautotrophs chemoheterotrophs, verified acquire via biomineralized chemically synthesized 1C). emerging research direction hot topic key component burgeoning field Semiconductor Synthetic Biology (Roadmap 2018)13. Recent reviews introduced terms semiartificial biohybrid systems describe these advancements14. Chemoautotrophic utilize oxidation reduced chemicals biosynthesis CO2 fixation, inherently possess directly indirectly electrons15. photoelectrochemical chamber constructed Liu et al. 2015, TiO2 nanowire array anodes harvested light producing H+ H2O. were connected silicon (Si) cathodes covered biofilm Sporomusa ovata, successfully used convert into acetate16. 2016, CdS–Moorella thermoacetica created incubating bacterium presence Cd2+ sulfur-containing cysteine17. Semiconductive CdS nanoparticles precipitated cell surface, produce extracellularly. then transferred bacterial cells utilized reduction acetate. recent many other acetogens, methanogens, electroactive species investigated construction14. Due derived biohybrids products value. Further upgrading needs achieved combining heterotrophic Escherichia coli Rhodopseudomonas palustris, consortia16, 18, feeding secondary culture metabolic implemented photoelectrocatalytic–biocatalytic flow systems19. Reports chemoheterotrophic microorganism-based increased rapidly since 2017. Chemoheterotrophic model strains, several advantages, well-developed rates20, good stability conditions5. For example, widely Saccharomyces cerevisiae industry combined InP modular assembly strategy. The resulting solar-driven shikimate an 1.58%21. Additionally, S. hybridized intracellular nanodots, achieving high-efficiency H2 production22. prokaryotic workhorse E. construct generating variety target driven light20, 23. unlike chemoautotrophs, membrane proteins (such OmcA, MtrA/B/C, CymA, OmcB, etc.), transfer mechanism at biotic–abiotic interface chemoheterotrophs quite obscure. Based current understanding, rationally system efficient conversion. Moreover, native CO2-assimilation makes less competitive next-generation applications5. Although biology studies integrated modules yeast cells24, efforts still needed match adapt different exogenous chassis cells. Despite advances, its infancy. Scaling up comparable sustainable manner transitioning promising area lab real-world applications require reduce material overall efficiency20, 25. essence, goal maximize benefits minimal input system. If exceed additional costs, economically viable. inexpensive readily available earth's surface. 2019, thin layers Fe- Mn-bearing rocks Gobi Desert, karst terrains, soil particles China functioned excellent capable sunlight10. gap Fe/Mn-bearing 1.77–2.57 eV, corresponding photosensitive wavelength 482–700 nm, effectively covering visible spectrum radiation. Inorganic substances like H2O transition-metal ions, along organics humic acid, all donors It estimated 2.23 × 1016 produced per second 1 m2 layer minerals10. availability presents abundant cost-effective resource developing geared solar-to-chemical compounds. addition, minerals, semiconductors, relatively straightforward preparation process, doping possibilities intrinsic vacancies absorption charge separation. recognize inherent limitations variability uniformity, hinder application. Overcoming necessitate development innovative, solutions. Enhancing efficiency. due bioelectrochemistry spectroscopy technologies, remains challenging accurately real time reveal mechanisms material–cell interface. Consequently, reported top-down strategies rationality. Addressing challenge requires interdisciplinary collaboration among fields. Broadening spectral captured solar-harvesting enhancing materials' resistance tophotocorrosion reducing light-induced ROS generation, maximizing power output lighting devices increasing microbes' tolerance intense irradiation, adopted nanomaterial–cell adhesion, strengthening affinities specificities between enzymes nanomaterials (e.g., quantum dots) carriers methyl viologen neutral red), unveiling unclear feasible measures optimize interface25. Advanced techniques, design, engineering, directed evolution, expected play pivotal roles future systems25. Other facing include tools chemical productivity candidate strain, robustness survive working lifespan inhospitable conditions, accidental leaking genetically modified potentially biohazard without understanding implications. We believe highly assembled recyclable applications. By drawing inspiration nature applying human society, aim explore potential studying non-photosynthetic semiconductors. enhances ancient 1D) lays foundation harnessing effectively, environmentally friendly products, ultimately contributing society. supported National Natural Science Foundation (92251301 [A. L.], 22008252 [B. W.], 91851211 [L. S.]) Key Research Development Program (2019YFC1805900 2018YFA0901303 S.], 2022YFA0912800 W.]).

Language: Английский