Fig. 1: Construction of an artificial photosynthesis system by integrating a photoelectrochemical system with genetically engineered cells expressing rhodopsin and an outer-membrane conduit MtrCAB.
From: Engineering artificial photosynthesis based on rhodopsin for CO2 fixation
In the artificial photosynthesis system, light energy is absorbed by a solar panel and rhodopsin to generate electricity and drive the metabolism, respectively. The engineered bacteria obtain electrons from the electrode, mediated by the Mtr complex and flavins, to synthesise reducing power (i.e., NADH and NADPH). In the presence of ATP and NADPH, the Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle is activated to drive CO2 fixation for biosynthesis.
