Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 255-266 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 262 By leveraging these innovative approaches and emerging technologies, researchers are making significant strides in optimizing photosynthetic protein complex structures to improve light energy conversion efficiency. The integration of synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and CRISPR/Cas9 offers a multifaceted strategy to address the challenges and unlock the full potential of artificial photosynthetic systems. 7 Potential Applications and Implications 7.1 Agricultural improvements: enhancing crop yield and resilience Optimizing photosynthetic protein complex structures holds significant promise for agricultural advancements. By improving the efficiency of photosynthesis, we can potentially increase the yield potential of major crops. Enhancements in light interception, energy transduction, and carbohydrate synthesis can lead to more productive germplasm, which is crucial for meeting the rising global food demand (Zhu et al., 2010; Garcia et al., 2022). Techniques such as classical breeding, systems biology, and synthetic biology are being explored to develop crops with better leaf display and photorespiratory bypasses, which have already shown productivity improvements in model species (Zhu et al., 2010). Additionally, engineering plants with carboxylases better adapted to current and future CO₂ concentrations can further maximize carbon gain without increasing crop inputs, potentially doubling the yield potential of major crops (Zhu et al., 2010). 7.2 Renewable energy production: development of biohybrid and artificial photosynthetic systems The development of biohybrid and artificial photosynthetic systems is a promising avenue for renewable energy production. Photosynthetic proteins, with their near-perfect quantum efficiency, are being integrated into photovoltaic devices to create biohybrid solar cells that promise better efficiency than conventional solar cells (Ravi and Tan, 2015). These systems combine the natural light-harvesting capabilities of photosynthetic proteins with engineered materials to enhance photocurrent generation and stability (Ravi and Tan, 2015). Furthermore, artificial photosynthetic systems are being designed to mimic natural photosynthesis, using semiconductors and biomimetic complexes to harvest light, separate charges, and catalyze redox reactions for solar fuel production (Wasielewski, 2009; Wen and Li, 2013). These advancements could lead to the development of efficient and stable systems for converting solar energy into chemical fuels, addressing global energy challenges (Wen and Li, 2013; Cestellos-Blanco et al., 2020). 7.3 Environmental benefits: carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration Optimizing photosynthetic protein complexes can also have significant environmental benefits, particularly in carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration. Enhanced photosynthetic efficiency can increase the rate of CO2 fixation, contributing to the reduction of atmospheric CO2 levels and mitigating climate change (Mussgnug et al., 2007; Cestellos-Blanco et al., 2020). Photosynthetic semiconductor biohybrids, for instance, are being developed to convert CO2 into value-added chemicals, providing a sustainable approach to carbon management (Cestellos-Blanco et al., 2020). Additionally, bioinspired systems that mimic natural photosynthesis can be used to restore ecosystems by improving the growth and resilience of plants in degraded environments (Proppe et al., 2020). These systems can enhance the efficiency of light harvesting and catalysis, facilitating the conversion of solar energy into biomass and supporting ecosystem restoration efforts (Proppe et al., 2020). By leveraging the advancements in photosynthetic protein complex optimization, we can achieve significant improvements in agriculture, renewable energy production, and environmental sustainability, addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. 8 Future Directions and Research Needs 8.1 Identifying key areas for future research To further optimize photosynthetic protein complex structures for improved light energy conversion efficiency, several key areas require focused research. One critical area is the development of self-assembling and self-ordering components that can mimic the natural organization of photofunctional chromophores and catalysts within proteins. This approach could enhance the efficiency of artificial photosynthetic systems by providing tailored environments for chemical reactions, similar to those found in natural photosynthesis (Wasielewski, 2009).
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