Data for: Periplasmic biomineralization for semi-artificial photosynthesis

Semiconductor-based biointerfaces are typically established either on the
surface of the plasma membrane or within the cytoplasm. In gram-negative
bacteria, the periplasmic space, characterized by its confinement and the
presence of numerous enzymes and peptidoglycans, offers additional
opportunities for biomineralization, allowing for non-genetic modulation
interfaces. Here, we demonstrate semiconductor nanocluster precipitation
containing single- and multiple-metal elements within the periplasm, as
observed through various electron- and X-ray-based imaging techniques. The
periplasmic semiconductors are metastable and display defect-dominant
fluorescent properties. Surprisingly, the defect-rich (i.e., the
low-grade) semiconductor nanoclusters produced in situ can still increase
adenosine triphosphate levels and malate production when coupled with
photosensitization. We expand the sustainability levels of the biohybrid
system to include reducing heavy metals at the primary level, building
living bioreactors at the secondary level, and creating semi-artificial
photosynthesis at the tertiary level. The biomineralization-enabled
periplasmic biohybrids have the potential to serve as defect-tolerant
platforms for diverse sustainable applications.