Photo‐biohydrogen Production by Photosensitization with Biologically Precipitated Cadmium Sulfide in Hydrogen‐Forming Recombinant Escherichia coli

Abstract

An inorganic-biological hybrid system that integrates features of both stable and efficient semiconductors and selective and efficient enzymes is attractive for facilitating the conversion of solar energy to hydrogen. In this study, we aimed to develop a new photocatalytic hydrogen-production system based on Escherichia coli whole-cell genetically engineered as a biocatalysis for highly active hydrogen formation. The photocatalysis part was obtained by bacterial precipitation of cadmium sulfide (CdS), which is a visible-light-responsive semiconductor. The recombinant E. coli cells were sequentially subjected to CdS precipitation and heterologous [FeFe]-hydrogenase synthesis to yield a CdS@E. coli hybrid capable of light energy conversion and hydrogen formation in a single cell. The CdS@E. coli hybrid achieved photocatalytic hydrogen production with a sacrificial electron donor, thus demonstrating the feasibility of our system and expanding the current knowledge of photosensitization using a whole-cell biocatalyst with a bacterially precipitated semiconductor.

Biocatalytic conversion of sunlight and carbon dioxide to solar fuels and chemicals

“…In the case involving CdS and E. coli , genetic engineering was used to emphasise the expression of [FeFe]-hydrogenase gene, consequently yielding a photoactive E. coli hybrid system capable of converting solar energy into H 2 within a single cell. 96 Although the yield was less than previously reported studies involving TiO 2 and E. coli , 97 the genetically engineered hybrid is a viable method for enhancing photocatalytic H 2 production.…”

Advances in Whole‐Cell Photobiological Hydrogen Production

“…Reproduced with permission. [ 99 ] Copyright 2020, Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. c) Scheme for H 2 photoproduction in the coupling of GaN:ZnO to gene‐recombinant E. coli cells.…”

“…Finally, the AQYs of the photobiological H 2 production system reached 0.11, 0.10, and 0.04% at 385, 420, and 470 nm, respectively. [ 99 ]…”

Microbial biosynthesis of quantum dots: regulation and application

“…Due to the comprehensive genetic engineering toolbox of microbes, they have been widely explored for the biosynthesis of QDs. Microbially synthesized QDs have been investigated for various applications, such as antibacterial treatment, 14 photocatalysis, 15 and bioimaging. 16 Furthermore, the QDs synthesized by microbes can assemble QD-microbe hybrids to integrate the optical and electronic properties of QDs and the biological properties of microbes.…”