Fluorescence imaging of hybrid nanostructures composed of natural photosynthetic complexes and reduced graphene oxide

Abstract Herein, we describe the results of fluorescence microscopy imaging of peridinin-chlorophyll-protein (PCP) photosynthetic complex mixed with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Upon incorporation of rGO the fluorescence image of PCP changes substantially from one characterized by uniform intensity towards a more complex pattern. The isolated bright spots feature up to ten times higher emission intensity compared to the fluorescence of PCP in the reference sample, where no rGO was added. The number of the bright spots increases with increasing rGO concentration. At the same time the fluorescence intensity away from the bright spots in the PCP/rGO hybrid system is quenched in comparison to the PCP – only reference.