The aim of this project is to construct modular biochemical pathways from engineered and artificial biomolecular components that are capable of capturing and converting solar energy into chemical energy.

These components and modular pathways will be encapsulated within microscopic compartments that resemble primitive cells, thus enabling the construction of simple protocells with elementary solar-powered metabolisms. Light capture/transduction components will be assembled from catalytic nanoparticles and photosensitised proteins, and will catalyse the production and recycling of common biomolecules used in nature to power metabolic processes.

Project lead: Professor Steve Mann (compartment design and assembly)

Project Team: Dr Adam Perriman (cellular hybrid component synthesis and characterisation) and Dr Ross Anderson (artificial/natural protein component design and characterisation)