Tracing of backward energy transfer from LH1 to LH2 in photosynthetic membranes grown under high and low irradiation.

By introducing derivative transient absorption spectroscopy, we obtain rate constants for backward and forward energy transfer between LH1 and LH2 complexes in purple bacterial membranes. We find that backward energy transfer is strongly reduced in membranes grown under low irradiation conditions, compared to high light grown ones. We conclude that backward energy transfer is managed actively by the bacteria to avoid LH1 exciton deactivation under high irradiation conditions. The analytical method is generally applicable to excitonically coupled systems

A comparative look at the first few milliseconds of the light reactions of photosynthesis

This mini-review describes the current state of our understanding of the structure and function of the photosynthetic light-harvesting and reaction centres. A comparative approach is used in order to highlight the underlying principles that must be satisfied for efficient energy-transfer (light-harvesting) and electron transfer (charge separation in the reaction centres)

Artificial photosynthesis – solar fuels: current status and future prospects

This review considers the case for using artificial photosynthesis to make solar fuels. The conceptual framework on which this idea is based is described. Photosynthesis is broken down into four partial reactions. Each one is described and progress in mimicking each of these is discussed. Finally, the current major barriers to achieving working systems based on artificial photosynthesis capable of making solar fuels are highlighte

Spectral dependence of fluorescence enhancement in LH2-Au nanoparticle hybrid nanostructures

We report on the influence of plasmon resonance in spherical gold nanoparticles on the optical properties of light-harvesting complex LH2 from the purple bacteria Rhodopseudomonas palustris. Systematic studies as a function of the excitation energy and the separation distance indicate that metal enhanced fluorescence shows strong dependence upon both of these parameters. We observe substantial increase of the fluorescence from LH2 complex in a hybrid nanostructure with 12 nm silica spacer. On the other hand, the enhancement measured with laser tuned into the plasmon resonance is almost threefold compared to the off-resonance configuration. The enhancement of fluorescence intensity originates in both cases from the increase of carotenoid absorption in the LH2 complex

Tracing of backward energy transfer from LH1 to LH2 in photosynthetic membranes grown under high and low irradiation

By introducing derivative transient absorption spectroscopy, we obtain rate constants for backward and forward energy transfer between LH1 and LH2 complexes in purple bacterial membranes. We find that backward energy transfer is strongly reduced in membranes grown under low irradiation conditions, compared to high light grown ones. We conclude that backward energy transfer is managed actively by the bacteria to avoid LH1 exciton deactivation under high irradiation conditions. The analytical method is generally applicable to excitonically coupled systems

Fluorescence enhancement of light-harvesting complex 2 from purple bacteria coupled to spherical gold nanoparticles

The influence of plasmon excitations in spherical gold nanoparticles on the optical properties of a light-harvesting complex 2 (LH2) from the purple bacteria Rhodopseudomonas palustris has been studied. Systematic analysis is facilitated by controlling the thickness of a silica layer between Au nanoparticles and LH2 complexes. Fluorescence of LH2 complexes features substantial increase when these complexes are separated by 12 nm from the gold nanoparticles. At shorter distances, non-radiative quenching leads to a decrease of fluorescence emission. The enhancement of fluorescence originates predominantly from an increase of absorption of pigments comprising the LH2 complex. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3648113