Algal cell bionics as a step towards photosynthesis-independent hydrogen production

Zhijun Xu, Jiarui Qi, Shengliang Wang, Xiaoman Liu, Mei Li, Stephen Mann () and Xin Huang ()
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Zhijun Xu: Harbin Institute of Technology
Jiarui Qi: Harbin Institute of Technology
Shengliang Wang: Harbin Institute of Technology
Xiaoman Liu: Harbin Institute of Technology
Mei Li: University of Bristol
Stephen Mann: University of Bristol
Xin Huang: Harbin Institute of Technology

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract The engineering and modulation of living micro-organisms is a key challenge in green bio-manufacturing for the development of sustainable and carbon-neutral energy technologies. Here, we develop a cellular bionic approach in which living algal cells are interfaced with an ultra-thin shell of a conductive polymer along with a calcium carbonate exoskeleton to produce a discrete cellular micro-niche capable of sustained photosynthetic and photosynthetic-independent hydrogen production. The surface-augmented algal cells induce oxygen depletion, conduct photo-induced extracellular electrons, and provide structural and chemical stability that collectively give rise to localized hypoxic conditions and concomitant hydrogenase activity under daylight in air. We show that assembly of the living cellular micro-niche opens a direct extracellular photoelectron pathway to hydrogenase resulting in photosynthesis-independent hydrogen evolution for 200 d. In addition, surface-conductive dead algal cells continue to produce hydrogen for up to 8 d due to their structural stability and retention of functional hydrogenases. Overall, the integration of artificial biological hydrogen production pathways and natural photosynthesis in surface-augmented algal cells provides a cellular bionic approach to enhanced green hydrogen production under environmentally benign conditions and could pave the way to new opportunities in sustainable energy production.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37608-4

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