Photosynthetic proteins created by computational and biotechnological approaches in biosensing applications

Abstract

Chromophore molecules, such as chlorophylls and bacteriochlorophylls, bacteriorhodopsins, and quinones, are accommodated with photosynthetic proteins in photochemically active Reaction Centers (RCs) with interchromophore distances and gaps in the energy levels that ensure light-induced unidirectional electron transfer through lipid membranes. The structure and function of photosynthetic proteins differ across the photosynthetic evolutionary scale, allowing for their application in a range of technologies, particularly for the construction of photo-optical electrical biodevices. Practical monitoring programs require rapid, simple, and low-cost screening procedures for the detection of harmful chemicals in the environment. Traditional chemical methods of pollution monitoring such as gas and high-performance liquid chromatography, atomic absorption, and mass spectrometry are sensitive and effective. However, photosynthetic biosensors better reflect the real physiological impact of active compounds present in the sample because even low concentrations of pollutants affect the living organisms by altering physiological processes. Here, we provide a general description of the fundamental and technical research in this sector and an overview of biochips and biosensors based on photochemical activity that have been developed for the bioassay of pollutants, and applied in photodevices for light capturing and life support. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010.