Photosynthetic reaction center/graphene bio-hybrid for low-power optoelectronics

Abstract

Photosynthetic reaction center (pRC) purified from Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1 purple bacteria was deposited on a graphene carrier exfoliated from the liquid phase and layered on the surface of SiO₂/Si substrate for optoelectronic application. Light-induced changes in the drain-source current vs. gate voltage are demonstrated. Dried photosynthetic reaction centers/graphene composite on SiO₂/Si shows a photochemical/-physical activity, as a result of interaction with the current flow in the graphene carrier matrix. The current changes are sensitive to light, due to the contribution from the charge separation in the pRC, and to the applied gate and drain-source voltages.