Color down-converting filters with fluorescent proteins (FPs) embedded in a polymer matrix have led to new bio-hybrid light-emitting diodes (Bio-HLEDs), featuring stabilities of 100 h and <1 min at low and high applied currents, respectively. Herein, the FP deactivation mechanism in Bio-HLEDs at high driving currents is deciphered. Primarily, the nonradiative energy relaxation of FPs upon excitation promotes the release of excess energy to the polymer matrix, reaching 60 °C and, in turn, a significant thermal emission quenching. This is circumvented by changing the device architecture, achieving stabilities of >300 h at high driving currents. Here, the photoinduced deactivation mechanism takes place, consisting of a slow and reversible partial dehydration followed by a quick and irreversible deactivation of the highly emissive ionic form. This is supported by steady-state/time-resolved emission, circular dichroism, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic techniques. Overall, the limitations of Bio-HLEDs concerning matrix, buffers, device design, and FP stability are highlighted as key aspects to achieve efficient and stable devices.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.