Abstract
Photosynthetic light-harvesting antennas possess a variety of supramolecular structures with the same function (collecting sunlight energy), dependent on their living habitats and environments of phototrophs. Notably, the main antenna in green photosynthetic bacteria called “chlorosome” is structurally unique. Its core is constructed solely from self-aggregates of chlorophyll molecules without the support of any protein scaffolds. The supramolecular structures of the chlorophyll aggregates were already estimated, but have not been determined completely due to the natural diversity of chlorosomes. The static structures of chlorosomes are somewhat difficult to be characterized, and also the determination of their dynamic construction processes in vivo, such as their biogenesis and growth, is more challenging. Consequently, the measurement and observation of a simplified chlorosome model prepared by in vitro self-assembly of native or non-native (semisynthetic) chlorophylls are important. The present review focuses on evaluation of the static and dynamic nanostructures of chlorosomal aggregates. The construction, observation, and analysis of such models could be translated into the supramolecular aggregates of native chlorosomes. Additionally, synthetic aggregates display remarkable properties, which would be valuable for the development of solar cells and artificial photosynthesis. Such systems could potentially also be applied as photofunctional materials.
Published Version
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