doi:10.1016/S0956-5663(98)00132-8
Copyright © 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.
Technical note
Toward bacteriorhodopsin based photocells
References and further reading may be available for this article. To view references and further reading you must
purchase this article.
C. Nicolini
, a, b, c, V. Erokhinb, S. Paddeuc, C. Paternollia and M. K. Ramc
a Institute of Biophysics, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 30, Via Giotto 2, I-16132, Genoa, Italy
b El. B.A. Foundation, Salita Superiore della Noce 35, 16132, Genoa, Italy
c Polo Nazionale Bioelettronica, Via Roma, 28, 57030, Marciana(LI), Italy
Received 15 June 1998;
revised 13 November 1998;
accepted 23 November 1998. ;
Available online 2 June 1999.
Abstract
Bacteriorhodopsin from purple membrane has unique photochromic and photoelectric properties and a capability of providing light-induced proton pumping. These features make it one of the most promising biological molecules for developing a bioelectronic photocell. In a recent work, we have shown that the BR molecules can be oriented by applying, with the traditional Langmuir–Blodgett technique, an electric field at the air-water interface. This work is aimed at the development of a BR-based photocell. The monolayers deposited by the electric field-assisted LB technique were further characterized by Brewster Microscopy at the air-water interface prior to their transfer onto solid supports. The photoresponse measurements of such a BR-based photocell confirmed that the BR molecules in the film were oriented. For suggested possible applications, molecular electrodes were fabricated by depositing thin films of doped poly(o-anisidine) (POAS) conducting polymer.
Author Keywords: Bacteriorhodopsin; Bioelectronics; Langmuir–Blodgett films; Photocells.
Fig. 1. Surface pressure versus area isotherm of BR monolayer at the air–water interface and BAM images taken at the marked points.
Fig. 2. The scheme of the electric field assisted BR monolayer formation.
Fig. 3. Absorbance spectra of BR D96N LB film (12 layers) in buffer solution overnight.
Fig. 4. Typical photoresponse of the BR-based photocell consisting of the sandwich structure ITO–BR–Metal.
Fig. 5. Scheme of the final photocell presently being implemented, consisting of a sandwich structure which utilizes the conductive polymer POAS to form the two molecular electrodes. The BAM images of the corresponding thin films deposited on the glass surface are also shown for POAS (1), BR (2) and BR covered with POAS (3).
Corresponding author. Tel.: +39-10-3538404; fax: +39-10-3538381