An increase in photo-current was observed up to a concentration of 750 mg/ml. It was observed that the photo-current values decreased after 750 mg/ml. The reason for this was determined to be the increase in thylakoid membrane concentration, which thickened the bio-component surface blocking the transfer towards the electrode of electrons generated as a result of water’s oxidation with photosynthesis (Fig. 4). Thus, 750 mg/ml was determined to be the optimal concentration level of thylakoid membranes to be used for photo-anode design.
Conclusion
In this work, we have exibited the generation of an enhanced photo-current from the novel electrode system based on the construction of a conducting polymer (P(DTP-Ph-NH2)). In the electrode arhitecture layer by layer production method was followed; ploymer, Cyt C, thylakoid membrane and fully crosslinked and stable structure was obtained. CV studies have been performed for the assembly of elctrodes in order to find out the system generates highest photo-current. One of the prominent features of the system is that the materials used such as concducting polymer and Cyt C can be easily monitored by the CV during the assembly of the electrode. CA studies to demonstrate the effect of P (DTP-Ph-NH2) polymer reveal that the photo-current obtained from the electrode using polymer is almost six fold greater than the electrode without using polymer, indicating that the polymer is highly effective in electron transfer. Another distinctive point in achieving enhanced photo-current is that the use of Cyt C in the electrod acrhitecture. Because the results clearly shows that the highest photo-current measured from the electrodes having Cyt C (optimum coating cycle: 60) compared to the other electrodes (without Cyt C). Since Cyt C is a natural protein, it serves a very suitable surface for the attachment of thylakoid membrane. It also functions as an electron-transporting protein because of its unique structure having iron complex. Furthermore, it is understood from the photo-current values that Cyt C actively binds more thylakoid membrane to the electrode surface. On the other hand, O2 is released after photosynthesis in thylakoid membrane quickly converted to water molecules by the BOD enzyme located on the cathode surface, resulting in a cyclic photo-bio-electrochemical fuel cell. This system shows the importance of generation high efficiency from artificial fuel cells; good electrical communication and the use of natural compponents. At the same time, in such bio-hybrid systems, the platform for the development of photo-current (light dependent) well-organized electrodes produces high photo-bio-electrochemical compounds.