Hybrid system based on quantum dots and photosystem 2 core complex

Biochemistry (Mosc). 2012 Jun;77(6):624-30. doi: 10.1134/S0006297912060090.

Abstract

We show that semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots, QD) can be used to increase the absorption capacity of pigment-protein complexes. In a mixture of photosystem 2 core complex (PS2) and QD, the fluorescence of the latter decreases several-fold due to the transfer of the absorbed energy to the PS2 core complex. We discuss Förster's inductive-resonance mechanism as a possible way of energy transfer in donor-acceptor pairs QD-PS2 core complex. Calculations based on the experimental data show that the enhancement of PS2 fluorescence and the rate of Q(A) reduction increase up to 60% due to efficient energy migration from QD to PS2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Energy Transfer*
  • Fluorescence
  • Photosystem II Protein Complex / chemistry*
  • Photosystem II Protein Complex / isolation & purification
  • Quantum Dots*
  • Semiconductors
  • Spinacia oleracea / chemistry

Substances

  • Photosystem II Protein Complex