Gold Nanoparticle Interaction in Algae Enhancing Quantum Efficiency and Power Generation in Microphotosynthetic Power Cells

The necessity for sustainable energy production has driven the rapid development of technologies to harness solar energy effectively. The microphotosynthetic power cells (mu PSC) aim to harness solar energy from living photosynthetic cells. Currently, the power density of the mu PSC is low, due to several factors. One of the major impediments and challenges of the mu PSC is its lower charge transfer efficiency between the photosynthetic microorganisms and the electrodes. Herein, the proposed strategy explores the interaction of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with photosynthetic microorganisms for enhanced power generation from the mu PSC. Herein, the intracellular biocompatible, efficient light absorbers in the form of Au NPs are introduced. Translocation of gold colloidal solution of 25 mu L of 50 mu gmL(-1) (253.8 mu molmL(-1)) concentration into 2mL whole liquid culture of algal cells (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: approximate to 1million cellsmL(-1)) enhances operational quantum yield (phi (0)) of the algal cells by 30.2% and power generation capability by 15.2% in mu PSCs. Internalized Au NPs in the algal cells quench chlorophyll fluorescence, thereby contributing to increased photosynthetic efficiency. With multiple advantages such as light absorption capability, biocompatibility, and ability to transfer the electrons, Au NPs can efficiently harvest sunlight for enhanced power generation from the mu PSC.