Stabilization effect of single-walled carbon nanotubes on the functioning of photosynthetic reaction centers

J Phys Chem B. 2006 Nov 2;110(43):21473-9. doi: 10.1021/jp060828t.

Abstract

The interaction between single-walled carbon nanotubes and photosynthetic reaction centers purified from purple bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides R-26 has been investigated. Atomic force microscopy studies provide evidence that reaction center protein can be attached effectively to the nanotubes. The typical diameter of the nanotube is 1-4 nm and 15 +/- 2 nm without and with the reaction centers, respectively. Light-induced absorption change measurements indicate the stabilization of the P+(Q(A)Q(B))- charge pair, which is formed after single saturating light excitation after the attachment to nanotubes. The separation of light-induced charges is followed by slow reorganization of the protein structure. The stabilization effect of light-initiated charges by the carbon nanotubes opens a possible direction of several applications, the most promising being in energy conversion and storage devices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electrochemistry
  • Kinetics
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins / chemistry*
  • Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Rhodobacter sphaeroides / chemistry
  • Rhodobacter sphaeroides / metabolism*

Substances

  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins