Rewiring photosynthetic electron transport chains for solar energy conversion

Photosynthetic organisms have evolved versatile electron transport chains that efficiently convert solar energy into chemical energy. Researchers can engineer these electron transport pathways to drive new-to-nature processes in a class of systems we term ‘rewired photosynthetic electron transport chains’ (R-PETCs). R-PETCs can be used for the light-driven production of electricity or chemicals and exhibit numerous advantages over the synthetic systems widely used for these applications, including enhanced stability, versatility and sustainability. In this Review, we summarize the current state of R-PETC research, highlighting major advances alongside outstanding research problems. We also provide descriptions of R-PETC development, outlining the different classes of R-PETCs, the research tools used in their construction and the key design considerations important for achieving high performances. Finally, we identify future avenues for R-PETC research that we expect will enhance performances sufficiently to make these systems suitable for different real-world applications. Photosynthetic electron transport chains convert solar energy into chemical energy. In this Review, engineering efforts to rewire these electron transport pathways for electricity and chemical production are discussed, highlighting major advances alongside outstanding research problems for achieving real-world applications.