Genetically Encoded Oligomerization for Protein‐Based Lighting Devices

Abstract

AbstractImplementing proteins in optoelectronics represents a fresh idea toward a sustainable new class of materials with bio‐functions that can replace environmentally unfriendly and/or toxic components without losing device performance. However, their native activity (fluorescence, catalysis, and so on) is easily lost under device fabrication/operation as non‐native environments (organic solvents, organic/inorganic interfaces, and so on) and severe stress (temperature, irradiation, and so on) are involved. Herein, a gift bow genetically‐encoded macro‐oligomerization strategy is showcased to promote protein–protein solid interaction enabling i) high versatility with arbitrary proteins, ii) straightforward electrostatic driven control of the macro‐oligomer size by ionic strength, and iii) stabilities over months in pure organic solvents and stress scenarios, allowing to integrate them into classical water‐free polymer‐based materials/components for optoelectronics. Indeed, rainbow‐/white‐emitting protein‐based light‐emitting diodes are fabricated, attesting a first‐class performance compared to those with their respective native proteins: significantly enhanced device stabilities from a few minutes up to 100 h keeping device efficiency at high power driving conditions. Thus, the oligomerization concept is a solid bridge between biological systems and materials/components to meet expectations in bio‐optoelectronics, in general, and lighting schemes, in particular.