Fluorescent Quantum Dots as Artificial Antennas for Enhanced Light Harvesting and Energy Transfer to Photosynthetic Reaction Centers

Abstract

Bio–nano: Quantum dots (QDs) can be tagged with photosynthetic reaction centers (RCs) in such a way (see picture) that FRET from the QD to the RC leads to a near-threefold increase in the rate of generation of excitons in the RC over that in the RC alone. Even-stronger enhancements are predicted, thus indicating that such complexes may significantly improve the efficiency of photosynthesis. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.