Project

Solid-state photosynthetic cell factories

Sergey Kosourov

DOI: 10.26303/m9cc-k331

What is it about?

Imagine a solar panel made not of metal and silicon, but of living microbes. That’s the main idea behind solid-state photosynthetic cell factories. In these systems, photosynthetic organisms such as algae or cyanobacteria are embedded in a thin, leaf-like matrix that supports and protects them. Instead of growing in water tanks, the microbes remain in this solid structure, where they capture sunlight and carbon dioxide and convert them directly into useful products such as solar fuels or green chemicals. Because the cells are held in place, the system is more stable, easier to operate, and capable of producing for much longer than traditional liquid cultures. This innovative approach combines biology and materials science to create living “green factories” that use sunlight, air, and water to make sustainable "green" products for the future.

Why is it important?

  • Solid-state photosynthetic cell factories transform abundant natural resources into fuels and chemicals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • They provide sustainable alternatives to conventional production pathways for energy and materials.
  • Solid-state design makes the process more stable, efficient, and easier to scale compared to liquid cultures.
  • Project unites biology and materials science to create living “green factories” that support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

This project relates to the following Sustainable Development Goals: • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, • SDG 13: Climate Action.

Keywords: Engineered living materials, Solar-to-chemical conversion, Biohybrid devices, Artificial leaf, Photocatalysis.

Perspectives

From my perspective, solid-state photosynthetic cell factories are an exciting step toward a cleaner and more sustainable future. It’s inspiring to see how living microbes, when carefully organised into thin, leaf-like films, can capture sunlight and CO₂ to create valuable fuels and materials that could one day replace fossil resources in our everyday lives.

Dr Sergey N Kosourov

Turun Yliopisto

Resources12 total

Who is involved?