Isolated proteins in biohybrid photovoltaics: Where do we go from here?

Abstract

Biohybrid photovoltaics, which harness photosynthetic proteins such as reaction centers to convert light into electricity, have progressed significantly over the years. Recent efforts have focused on a deeper understanding of the underlying operational mechanisms and identifying key limitations and bottlenecks, leading to revealing poor wiring as a primary factor limiting efficiency and guiding strategies for improvement. However, despite these insights, experimental advances have only led to incremental progress, leaving critical issues unresolved and raising doubts about the viability of biohybrid photovoltaics for large-scale energy production. This ongoing performance gap highlights the need for a breakthrough to move the field forward. Nonetheless, the knowledge gained is crucial for future innovations, particularly in developing more stable, complex systems such as living-cell-based devices. Additionally, these findings suggest that biohybrid systems may be better suited for specialized applications like biosensing or driving high-value chemical production, where their unique properties can be more effectively utilized.