Sustainable energy harvesting of bio-photovoltaic cells using hybrid particles

Bio-photovoltaic cells represent a burgeoning platform for sustainable energy conversion, leveraging photosynthetic electron transport for bioelectricity generation. However, the inherent limitations in charge transfer efficiency and photon utilization necessitate novel material engineering strategies. Here, we demonstrate a substantial enhancement in bio-photovoltaic performance through the synergistic integration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and glass beads, leveraging localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and optimized light scattering. By incorporating 40 nm AgNPs, we achieve a significant increase in photon absorption within the spectral range optimal for Synechococcus-based photosynthesis, while 150 µm glass beads facilitate photon redistribution and cell adhesion, collectively augmenting electron transport efficiency. The resultant hybrid bio-photovoltaic system exhibits a 2.5-fold increase in power density relative to control systems, with high-resolution electron microscopy confirming nanoparticle-cell interactions critical to charge transfer optimization. These findings establish a scalable blueprint for hybrid bio-nanophotonic architectures, advancing bio-photovoltaic technology towards viable renewable energy applications.