Bacteriorhodopsin: mutating a biomaterial into an optoelectronic material

Bacteriorhodopsin (BR) is the key protein for the halobacterial photosynthetic capabilities and is one of the very rare molecules which occur in crystalline form in nature. Since its discovery, which was reported in 1971, many efforts have been made to exploit the obvious technical potential of this molecule. Successful application of gene technology methods for the modification of the physical function of a biomolecule was first demonstrated with BR. This approach points the way to a new class of materials derived from evolutionary optimized biomaterials by genetic re-engineering. Mutated BRs proved to have significant advantages over the wild type in optical applications. The current status of potential technical applications of BR is reviewed. BR is employed as a photoelectric, photochromic or energy-converting element. First systems now exist which demonstrate the successful integration of this new material into existing technologies. Analyzing the patents filed, which claim the processing or application of BR, gives an indication to areas where further technical uses are to be expected in the near future.