Abstract
Inspired by photosynthetic mechanisms in natural system, we introduced a light-sensitive photo protective quenching element in a DNA-templated artificial antenna model to control the flow of energy as a function of light intensity excitation. The Orange Carotenoid Protein (OCP) is a non-photochemical quencher in cyanobacteria: under high light conditions the protein undergoes a spectral shift, and by binding to the Phycobilisome it absorbs excess light and dissipates it as heat. By using DNA as a scaffold, we constructed an antenna system made of organic dyes (Cy3, Cy5), and we assembled OCP on it as a modulated quenching element. Controlling the light intensity shined on the sample allows us to switch the direction of the energy flow from the green label Cy3 to either Cy5, under low light conditions, or to OCP, under intense illumination. We show the construction, spectroscopic characterization and working principle of this system. The results presented here open exciting possibilities in the engineering of complex, regulated pathways in artificial light harvesting systems.
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