| abstract |
A light-driven energy generation system using proteorhodopsin is provided. The system includes a light source, a host with a correctly folded, integrated proteorhodopsin protein, a source of retinal, and a mediator. The source of retinal binds covalently to the integrated proteorhodopsin protein, thereby creating a light absorbing pigment. Illumination of the light absorbing pigment with the light source results in conversion of light energy to biochemical energy. This biochemical energy is harnessed by the mediator to produce light-driven energy, such as mechanical, chemical or electrical energy. |