A bio-solar cell powered by sub-cellular plant photosystems

A microfabricated biomimetic solar cell was demonstrated that harnesses the sub-cellular thylakoid photosystems isolated from spinach cells to convert light energy into electricity. Subject to light intensity of 2000 /spl mu/mol photons/m/sup 2//s, it generated an open circuit voltage of 470 mV and a current density of 1.0 /spl mu/A/cm/sup 2/ at 5.2 /spl mu/V, output that is comparable to other microfabricated biological fuel cells. In the present anode/PEM/cathode configuration, the bio-solar cell can serve as a power source for micro-scale devices like remote sensors or autonomous robots. Yet, because it directly interfaces with forms of cellular energy (NADPH, proton-motive force, ATP) generated by photosynthesis, the bio-solar cell can also be a potential power source for nanoscale molecular motors like ATP synthase, kinesin, and myosin.