The following is a collection of specialized terms and their corresponding meanings relevant to photobiological solar fuels.
Nanocrystals
A nanocrystal is a tiny crystalline particle, typically ranging in size from 1 to 100 nanometers, composed of atoms arranged in a highly ordered, repeating structure. Due to their small size, nanocrystals exhibit unique physical, chemical, and optical properties that differ significantly from those of bulk materials. At the nanoscale, quantum mechanics dominate, giving nanocrystals exceptional optical and electronic properties, such as the ability to absorb and emit specific wavelengths of light. In SUN-PERFORM nanocrystals are embedded in transparent films to convert unused light (e.g., UV) into wavelengths algae can efficiently use for photosynthesis.
Solar fuels
Solar fuels are synthetic fuels created using solar energy. In the photobiological process, photosynthetic microorganisms in photobioreactors produce fuel by converting sunlight into chemical energy. This often involves reducing protons to generate hydrogen or transforming carbon dioxide into organic compounds.
Photobioreactors
Photobioreactors (PBRs) are specialized bioreactors designed to cultivate photosynthetic organisms such as algae. PBRs provide controlled environments to optimize growth conditions and maximize biomass yield.
TAG
Triacylglycerols (TAGs), are a type of lipid (fat) molecule composed of three fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol backbone. They are the primary storage form of energy in many organisms, including plants, animals, and algae. In the context of solar fuels, TAGs are significant because they can be extracted from algae and chemically converted into biofuels, such as biodiesel or sustainable aviation fuels, through well-established processes like transesterification. This makes TAGs a crucial component in the development of renewable, sustainable fuel sources.
Synthetic CO₂ Fixation Pathway
A Synthetic CO₂ Fixation Pathway is a bioengineered metabolic pathway designed to capture and convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into useful organic compounds more efficiently than natural pathways like the Calvin Cycle, which is commonly found in plants and algae. These pathways are created using synthetic biology techniques and often incorporate enzymes from various organisms or entirely novel enzymes.