Bio-Inspired Photosynthesis Platform for Enhanced NADH Conversion and L-Glutamate Synthesis

Abstract

Inspired by the layered structure, light absorption, and charge carrier pathway of chloroplast thylakoids in natural photosynthesis, we propose a novel artificial photosynthesis platform, which is composed of layered structured vaterite as the scaffold with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), photosensitizer eosin Y (EY), and redox enzyme L-glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) as the functional components. The EY exhibited significantly enhanced light absorption and charge carrier generation due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) around the AuNPs and light refraction within the layers. This artificial photosynthesis platform can regenerate reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) under visible light and promote the rapid conversion of α-ketoglutarate to L-glutamate (0.453 Mm/h). The excellent biocompatibility of layered vaterite significantly enhances the resistance of GDH to harsh conditions, including high pH (pH = 10) and elevated temperatures (37–57 °C).