The vision of PhoLcs is autonomous micro energy production with bio-hybrid architectures based on photosynthetic microorganisms
integrated in organic electronic devices. Conversion of visible and Near Infrared light mediated by these living microorganisms is the
breakthrough to achieve unprecedented efficiency for the generation of electronic current. PhoLcs will explore new hybrid device
architectures operating upon the integration of microalgae and photosynthetic bacteria as device components for light-to-voltage
conversion. The hybrid technology will be accessible virtually worldwide owing to the abundance and variety of photosynthetic
microorganisms. The envisioned approach aligns to the principles of green and blue economies which, together with the use of low
materials impact, makes the approach compliant to criteria of sustainability and it is rooted in the paradigm of sustainability and
protection of natural resources. Autonomous production of micro-energy from renewable sources and living organisms is well
Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca
MUR - BANDO 2022 PNRR
adapted for more efficient, clean, secure and competitive energy supply (cluster 5). PhoLcs' main objective is to demonstrate a new
bio/non-bio hybrid platform based on photosynthetic microorganisms. These will be selected to fit to the application environment, to
yield an effective spectral coverage on visible/NIR and to produce extracellular charge transfer with high efficiency in the adhoc
engineered 2D electrodes of devices. A
demonstrator is the final goal of the project aiming at sustainable energy production and storage, from light conversion mediated by
photosynthetic microorganisms. The multidisciplinary partnership features three italian research groups with interconnected
competences ranging from materials sciences, photochemistry/photophysics of biological and biohybrid systems, organic
semiconductors and materials design, microorganisms engineering, organic bioelectronics devices, micro- and nanofabrication with
unconventional methods and organic synthesis