Redesigning the Photosynthetic Light Reactions

Photosynthesis is a key natural process that uses the energy of sunlight to develop the oxygen we breathe and to produce biomass, which we use as food, feed and energy. However, plants, algae and cyanobacteria are able to absorb only part of this energy, there are significant energy losses during the process and the light also constantly damages the photosynthetic apparatus. Improved ability of photosynthetic organisms to absorb energy, its more efficient use and increased resistance to damage could significantly improve food and energy production, which are key challenges facing humanity. Contrary to current approaches, this project seeks to address these challenges by creating a new cyanobacterial-based organism that contains a combination of synthetic components and the most effective parts of the photosynthetic apparatus from different organisms: photosynthetic bacteria, cyanobacteria and plants. This combination ensures a unique ability to absorb most of the sun’s radiation, increase energy gain from it and better resistance to light damage. The project will use the complementary expertise of the participating teams in molecular, synthetic and structural biology, biochemistry and biophysics of both bacterial and plant photosynthesis. The project should create a completely new concept of modification and optimization of complex biological processes such as photosynthesis, which are seemingly unchangeable due to their complexity. The PhotoRedesign project should lay the foundations for a major improvement in the productivity of economically important photosynthetic organisms, from the simplest cyanobacteria to agricultural crops.