Use of Globular Proteins as Vehicles to Increase the Solubility of Dyes for Photoreactive Fuel Cells

Bio- fuel cells have arisen as a promising source of energy. The interaction between globular proteins and dyes that can be used for the conversion of solar energy to finally produce H₂ has been shown as prospective energy source for these fuel cells. This interaction shows potential because most dyes currently used to drive photoinduced electron transfer (PET), the process necessary for photosensitization of H₂, are not readily soluble in aqueous solutions and the use of globular proteins as vehicles can increase the solubility of the dyes. With this study, we hypothesize that it is possible to produce beneficial changes in the photophysical properties of the protein-docked dyes and propose a systematic approach to investigate the interaction of some of these PET-active dyes with globular proteins. We will used a combination of optical spectroscopy and fluorescence decay techniques to study the solubility and the differences in the photophysical properties of metal porphyrins that are some of the premier for the photoreduction of H₂ in water via PET. Promising candidate globular protein and PET-active dyes will be assembled with catalyst nanoparticles to drive the photoreduction of H₂O for the development of bio-fuel cells.