The evaluation of the optical properties and the thermal stability of photoactive proteins extracted from Zea mays (corn) leaves

Ziron John A. Valaquio1, Van Kaizer J. Ibañez1, Leithold Alexis O. Ronquillo1, Aris C. Larroder1, 3, Stephen G. Sabinay2 1Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus - Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Iloilo, --, Philippines /2West Visayas State University - Molecular Laboratory, Iloilo, --, Philippines /3West Visayas State University - College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo, --, Philippines

Biophotovoltaics is an emerging area of technology that utilizes photoactive proteins, such as pigment-protein complexes (PPC), in photoautotrophic organisms to capture light energy which is then converted into electrical energy. PPC samples were extracted from  Zea mays leaves and were exposed to varied thermal conditions and their absorption spectra were subsequently analyzed. It was found that PPCs are essential to photovoltaic applications. However, prolonged high-temperature exposure led to PPC degradation, compromising light absorption efficiency. The calculated optical bandgap stood at approximately 1.80 eV, affirming its relevance for photovoltaic applications. Notably, thermal degradation of PPC proteins correlated inversely with the efficiency of light-to-electrical energy conversion, warranting further scientific exploration for optimization strategies.