Applied potential-induced structural changes in extracted thylakoid membranes

This proposal follows on from a successful neutron reflectometry experiment in which we were able to form and characterise simple model bilayers based on photosynthetic thylakoid membranes found inside cyanobacteria and plant cells. Here, we wish to compare these results with actual extracted thylakoid membranes (TMs) both to assess the viability of the model system and to determine any structural changes as the TMs deposited onto electrode surfaces are subjected to applied potentials and/or external actinic light illumination using our bespoke spectroelectrochemical cell. This will be fundamental in allowing us to better understand how the TM-based biohybrid devices we have developed function and can be modified for improved output.