Electrically programmable picoscale phototransduction of a newly discovered microbial rhodopsin

Abstract

Human retina can achieve single-photon sensitivity through specialised photoreceptors that convert light into electrical signals via phototransduction. Among microbial light-sensitive proteins, proteorhodopsins stand out for their intrinsic light-driven ion transport and spectral tunability, making them promising candidates for bio-inspired photonic devices. A central challenge for acellular integration, however, is the fragility of most bacterial rhodopsins under extreme conditions. Here, we exploit the exceptional robustness of TARA76, a microbial rhodopsin that retains structural integrity even upon complete dehydration, to demonstrate its functional reconstitution in an artificial black lipid membrane within a biocompatible microfluidic platform. By recording light-induced ionic currents with picoampere sensitivity across a broad range of pH, illumination power, electrolyte composition, and applied voltages, we establish TARA76 as a high-performance photoelectric transducer in a fully acellular environment. Strikingly, we uncover a strong and previously unreported dependence of the photocurrent on Na+ ions, which appears to play a key structural and functional role in stabilising the proteins active conformation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the orientation of TARA76 within the artificial membrane can be externally controlled by applying a defined electric field during bilayer formation, enabling deterministic tuning of photocurrent directionality. Together, these results establish a robust and miniaturisable bio-photonic platform with direct implications for quantum light sensing, neuromorphic bioelectronics, and next-generation artificial retinal interfaces.