The optoelectronic properties of a photosystem I-carbon nanotube hybrid system.
The photoconductance properties of photosystem I (PSI) covalently bound to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are measured. We demonstrate that the PSI forms active electronic junctions with the CNTs, enabling control of the CNTs' photoconductance by the PSI. In order to electrically contact the photoactive proteins, a cysteine mutant is generated at one end of the PSI by genetic engineering. The CNTs are covalently bound to this reactive group using carbodiimide chemistry. We detect an enhanced photoconductance signal of the hybrid material at photon wavelengths resonant to the absorption maxima of the PSI compared to non-resonant wavelengths. The measurements prove that it is feasible to integrate photosynthetic proteins into optoelectronic circuits at the nanoscale.
Kaniber
Simone M
SM
Walter Schottky Institut, Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany.
Simmel
Friedrich C
FC
Holleitner
Alexander W
AW
Carmeli
Itai
I
D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008958:Models, Molecular; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016011:Normal Distribution; D055095:Optics and Photonics / Q000379:methods*; D045331:Photosystem I Protein Complex / Q000737:chemistry*
D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D045331:Photosystem I Protein Complex