Carbon Based Photosynthetic Biohybrid System: A New Approach to Energy Conversion

The development of whole-cell-based photosynthetic biohybrid systems, represents a rapidly expanding interdisciplinary field that leverages the remarkable light-harvesting capabilities of inorganic materials and the complete biosynthetic pathways of living cells to generate solar-to-chemical energy with high efficiency and selectivity. In this study, fluorescent water-soluble carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were administered to laboratory-grown Arachis hypogaea by foliar spraying. By harnessing the light-conversion property of the nanomaterial, the photosynthetic rate of the plants was significantly boosted at various stages of electron transport after CQD treatment. The photosynthetic pathways involved in electron transport, primary growth parameters, translocation, and toxicity of the synthesized CQDs were thoroughly investigated. The results revealed that CQDs maintained excellent fluorescence within the plant and enhanced photosynthesis efficiency without adverse effects on plant physiology or growth. These CQDs can absorb light over a broad range of wavelengths in the ultraviolet (UV) spectra not captured by chloroplast antenna pigment. Based on this approach advanced biomaterial based solar energy capture and conversion systems can be fabricated and extended to various solar energy applications.