Swedish researchers are developing a photovoltaic device based on green fluorescent protein (GFP) from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria.

The team deposit two aluminium electrodes with a tiny gap between them onto a silicon dioxide substrate. A droplet of green fluorescent protein is then added on top, whereupon the protein assembles itself into strands between the electrodes. When exposed to ultraviolet light, the GFP absorbs photons and emits electrons, which travel around a circuit to produce electricity. The GFP can be placed directly on top of the electrode, simplifying the design and reducing overall cost.

The team have also used the proteins to create a biological fuel cell that generates electricity without the need for an external source of light.

University of Cambridge researchers are developing biophotovoltaic devices based on algae and photosynthetic bacteria.