Photosynthesis Z-Scheme biomimicry: Photosystem I/BiVO4 photo-bioelectrochemical cell for donor-free bias-free electrical power generation

Photo-bioelectrochemical cells that are based on photosynthetic proteins are drawing increased attention for both fundamental and applied research. While novel photosynthetic based systems have been introduced, further optimization in terms of stability and efficiency is required. Photosystem I has...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biosensors & bioelectronics 2020-11, Vol.168, p.112517-112517, Article 112517
Main Authors: Herzallh, Nidaa Shrara, Cohen, Yifat, Mukha, Dina, Neumann, Ehud, Michaeli, Dorit, Nechushtai, Rachel, Yehezkeli, Omer
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bioelectronics
Photosynthesis
Photosystem I
Viologen
Water oxidation
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Summary:Photo-bioelectrochemical cells that are based on photosynthetic proteins are drawing increased attention for both fundamental and applied research. While novel photosynthetic based systems have been introduced, further optimization in terms of stability and efficiency is required. Photosystem I has been utilized extensively in bioelectronic devices, often in conjugation with viologen moieties which act as electron acceptors. It has been shown previously that a partial reduction of oxygen to H2O2 can facilitate damage to proteins hence, limits their long-term activation. Here, we show a newly developed bias-free, donor-free photo-bioelectrochemical system that mimics the natural photosynthetic Z-scheme. Polymethylene blue and polybutyl-viologen were tailored to fit the photosystem I donor and acceptor sides, respectively. Furthermore, we show that by coupling the developed biocathode with a BiVO4/CoP photoanode, a power output of 25 μW/cm2 can be achieved. We further show that our configuration can minimize the damaging effect of H2O2 by two different pathways, oxidation at the photoanode or reduction by the polymethylene blue layer at the biocathode. •A bias-free donor-free photobioelectrochemcial cell which mimics the photosynthetic Z scheme apparatus is presented..•Photosystem I based photocathodes stability is limited due to the destructive effect of the generated H2O2.•BiVO4/CoP photoanode and an electropolymerized pMB cathode react with the H2O2 and limits its harmful effect.
ISSN:0956-5663
1873-4235
DOI:10.1016/j.bios.2020.112517