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At the University of Gothenburg, researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the guidance of energy within cells. This involves the intricate movements of atoms within proteins to direct energy to its intended location. The ability to replicate these protein structural changes could potentially lead to the development of more efficient solar cells in the future.
Energy derived from the sun’s rays serves as the foundation for all life on Earth. A notable example is the process of photosynthesis in plants, where solar energy is essential for growth. Specialized proteins capture solar energy, and electrons transport the energy within the protein through a process known as charge transfer. The latest research demonstrates how proteins undergo deformation to establish efficient pathways for charge transfer.
The research focused on the protein photolyase in the fruit fly, which functions to repair damaged DNA using solar energy transported as electrons along a chain of four tryptophans (amino acids). The significant finding reveals that the surrounding protein structure undergoes specific reshaping to direct electrons along the chain, as explained by Sebastian Westenhoff, Professor of Biophysical Chemistry.
The study also observed how the structural changes aligned with the timing of charge transfer, providing valuable insights that could be utilized in the design of improved solar panels, batteries, and other energy transport applications.
Sebastian Westenhoff emphasizes the importance of understanding the process of proteins absorbing sunlight, stating, “Evolution is nature’s material development and it is always the best. What we have done is basic research. The more we understand about what happens when proteins absorb sunlight, the better we can imitate this conversion of solar energy into electricity.”
Published in Nature Chemistry, this study marks a significant advancement in the exploration of charge transfer within proteins. By examining the process in the fruit fly and utilizing the sophisticated tools available, researchers have gained valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms of energy guidance within cells.
