Uncovering the Use of Fucoxanthin and Phycobiliproteins into Solid Matrices to Increase Their Emission Quantum Yield and Photostability

Abstract

In the search for a better and brighter future, the use of natural luminescent renewable materials as substitutes for synthetic ones in the energy field is of prime importance. The incorporation of natural pigments (e.g., xanthophylls and phycobiliproteins) is a fundamental step in a broad spectrum of applications that are presently marred by their limited stability. The incorporation of bio-based luminescent molecules into solid matrices allows the fabrication of thin films, which may dramatically increase the range of applications, including sustainable photovoltaic systems, such as luminescent solar concentrators or downshifting layers. In this work, we incorporated R-phycoerythrin (R-PE), C-phycocyanin (C-PC), and fucoxanthin (FX) into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and studied their optical properties. It was found that the emission and excitation spectra of the phycobiliproteins and FX were not modified by incorporation into the PVA matrix. Moreover, in the case of FX, the emission quantum yield (η) values also remained unaltered after incorporation, showing the suitability of the PVA as a host matrix. A preliminary photostability study was performed by exposing the solid samples to continuous AM1.5G solar radiation, which evidenced the potential of these materials for future photovoltaics.

Extraction and purification of phycobiliproteins from algae and their applications

“…To improve the processability of the phycobiliproteins, the PC molecules were entrapped into solid matrices, such as poly (vinyl alcohol (PVA) ( Dias et al, 2022 ). It was demonstrated that the ability to down-shift the UV radiation observed for the biomolecules in solution ( Figure 2 ) was kept after their incorporation into the host, Figure 3 .…”

“… (A) Photographs of PC incorporated in PVA ( Dias et al, 2022 ) under white light (top) and UV irradiation at 365 nm (bottom). Scale bars: 10 –2 m. (B) Emission and excitation spectra excited at 575 nm and monitored at 720, respectively.…”

“…The shadowed area represents the AM1.5G solar spectrum (right y-axis). Reproduced from ( Dias et al, 2022 ) under a CC BY 4.0 license.…”

“…These phycobilin chromophores are phycoerythrobilin (PEB), phycocyanobilin (PCB) and phycobiliviolin (PVB) ( Bryant, 1982 ). Depending on the phycobiliprotein, different phycobilin combinations may occur leading to their specific spectral and optical identity ( Glazer, 1994 ): Phycoerythrin with maximum absorption wavelengths (λmax) ranging between 490 and 570 nm (with three-peak absorption maxima at 565, 539, and 498 nm) ( Liu et al, 2005 ); phycocyanin (λmax = 610–620 nm) ( Dias et al, 2022 ) allophycocyanin (λmax = 650–655 nm), and phycoerythrocyanin (λmax = 560–600 nm) ( Munier et al, 2014 ). Given that, phycobiliproteins differ in the amino-acid sequence, the number of chromophores per subunit, and the type of chromophores.…”

Biopigments (Phycoerythrin, Fucoxanthin and Siphonaxanthin) from Seaweeds and Their Potential Applications as Ingredients in Cosmeceutical Industries: A Review

“…This pigment is the main phycobiliprotein found in red seaweed (Rhodophyta) [15], such as Euchema sp, Gelidium sp [16], Gelidium amansii [17], Gelidum elegans [13], Gelidium pusillum [18], Gracilaria sp. [5], Gracilaria changii [19], Gracilaria gracilis [20,21], Halymenia sp. [16], Halymenia durvillaei [22], Pyropia haitanensis [23], etc.…”