Work

Programming Bio–Bio Electronic Interfaces for Light‐Driven Interspecies Electron Transfer

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Living systems organize electron flow through continuous, spatially and energetically structured redox networks, whereas most synthetic light-driven bioelectronic platforms rely on abiotic materials to generate and inject electrons into cells, limiting selective coupling between living partners. Here, we report programmable living electronic interfaces that enable direct, light-driven interspecies electron transfer (IET) between two living microorganisms. A conformal poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) network integrated into the envelope of Synechococcus elongatus intercepts and relays photosynthetic electron flux, while supramolecular cucurbit[7]uril host-guest interactions program defined cell-cell assembly with engineered Escherichia coli. Redox-active mediators embedded within the interface establish energetically matched electron-transfer pathways across species boundaries. Redox-potential matching identifies neutral red as an optimal mediator, enabling selective delivery of photosynthetic electrons into E. coli with an IET efficiency of 83.7%, thereby enhancing light-driven biocatalysis. This work establishes an integrated bio-bio electronic architecture that embeds electronic conduction within living redox networks, defining a paradigm for constructing light-powered microbial consortia distinct from conventional abiotic-bio hybrid systems.

Source: Angewandte Chemie International Edition

DOI: 10.1002/anie.8664414

Authors: Lancheng Wang, Peng Chen, Yujie Wang, Chi Hu

Institution: China Pharmaceutical University

Language: English

Topic: Microbial Fuel Cells and Bioremediation

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Key Research and Development Program of China

Awards: G5703355481, G7107648245